Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Silent Brown present two appealing yet distinct options tailored for different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out with their bright and clacky sound profile, making them an ideal choice for those who want to enhance the auditory experience of their typing, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Their hall effect mechanism lends them a unique appeal for enthusiasts seeking superior performance and acoustics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches are designed for a quieter typing experience, offering a comfortable tactile sensation with a mild level of resistance and a pleasing round bump that caters to those who appreciate a more muted sound profile while still craving a tactile feedback. Both switches serve unique needs—whether you're aiming for that engaging soundscape or a more subdued yet enjoyable typing session. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Silent Brown switches share some similarities in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings, which are both made of polycarbonate. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The polycarbonate construction plays a significant role in ensuring clarity and resonance in the acoustic feedback of the switches, making them particularly suitable for setups featuring RGB lighting. Given this commonality, users can expect a similar sound output when actuating either switch, especially during the release phase.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Magnetic Jade and Silent Brown switches is constructed from nylon. This material is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience as compared to the more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top. This means that while both switches will produce clear sounds on key release due to their top housings, the overall sound experience will feature a blend of sharper notes from the top and subdued undertones from the bottom, leading to a harmonious yet distinct sound signature for each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and TTC Silent Brown switches yields a cohesive yet nuanced typing experience. Users will find that while the top housing amplifies the brightness and clarity of each keystroke, the bottom housing tempers that sound with a rounder tone, enriching the overall acoustic profile. This synergy between materials means that switching between the two brands will still produce a familiar auditory and tactile sensation, appealing to those who prioritize both sound quality and aesthetic compatibility in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This disparity means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience, particularly for extended use in work or gaming environments, would gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade. On the other hand, those who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel might favor the Silent Brown due to its increased resistance. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches are not the same, highlighting the differences in tactile feel that can significantly impact user preference based on typing habits and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Magnetic Jade is the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance may be more appealing to users who enjoy a sturdier and more tactile feedback when pressing keys, as the additional 0.3 mm can provide a deeper, heartier sensation. Ultimately, if you're aiming for quicker key presses, the Magnetic Jade would be the more suitable choice, whereas the Silent Brown would cater to those who appreciate a more traditional, tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are known for their bright and clacky acoustics, which can provide an enjoyable auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate an engaging typing atmosphere. This clackiness can heighten the overall feedback during key presses, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches feature a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This softer sound can be beneficial in environments where minimizing noise is a priority, creating a quieter workspace without sacrificing the mechanical feel that typists often crave.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer an experience that complements their sound signature, providing a robust tactile response. While the detailing of their tactile bump isn't specified, they likely cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches are characterized by a buttery smooth feel, offering a gentle yet responsive typing experience. They strike a balance between a light-medium resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The polished nature of these switches means that you can expect a refined and smooth keystroke, further enhancing the overall typing experience while reducing key travel friction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches provide an auditory experience that is bright and clacky, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced mechanical sound. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Brown switches focus on a muted sound profile and a buttery feel, which are perfect for quieter environments and a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: if you prioritize sound and a more traditional feel, the Magnetic Jade may be your go-to; if you’re seeking a quieter and more refined typing experience, the Silent Brown might be the better choice. Each switch offers distinct qualities, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and environmental considerations. If you appreciate a bright, clacky sound and a medium-light actuation force, the Magnetic Jade switches are an excellent choice for an exciting and vibrant typing experience, particularly if you enjoy the enhanced acoustics and feel they're ideal for gaming or enthusiastic typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience with a satisfying tactile bump and slightly heavier actuation, the Silent Brown switches will suit your needs. Their muted sound profile makes them perfect for quiet office environments or late-night typing without disturbing others, while the buttery and polished feel provides a smooth, refined typing experience. In summary, choose the Magnetic Jade for a spirited, responsive feel and lively sounds, and opt for the Silent Brown for comfort and discretion in your typing endeavors.
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