Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black present two very different yet appealing options tailored to distinct user preferences. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience and acoustics—perfect for an upgrade to a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black, categorized as silky, muted, and polished, prioritizes a quieter typing experience, featuring a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel that minimizes audio feedback—an excellent choice for those in shared or noise-sensitive environments. While both switches excel in their respective categories—one embracing auditory feedback and the other promoting silence—however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, the primary distinction in their housing materials plays a significant role in their overall sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material enhances the resonance of sound, making it particularly favorable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While the INK blend also produces a relatively high-pitched sound, it is described as being pointed yet not overly sharp. This subtle difference indicates that while both switches can deliver a satisfying sound, the Magnetic Jade might yield a slightly more aggressive auditory experience than the more refined character of the Silent Ink Black.
Turning to the bottom housing, there is another divergence in material choice that influences the typing experience and sound profiles of these switches. The Magnetic Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which helps absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a duller, more rounded sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black again opts for its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which aligns more closely with the sound characteristics of the top housing. The INK blend here maintains a high-pitched yet clacky profile, providing a consistent sound experience across the switch. So, while the Magnetic Jade offers a blend of harshness from the top and depth from the bottom, the Silent Ink Black aims for cohesion with a pronounced high-pitched quality throughout.
To summarize, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches inherently affect their sound profiles during both the press and release phases of use. The stiffer polycarbonate top of the Magnetic Jade produces a sharper sound upon key release, while its nylon bottom contributes to a rounder sound when bottoming out. This contrast leads to a unique auditory experience shaped by the materials' inherent properties. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black strives for a more integrated sound experience, with its INK blend top and bottom housing both contributing to a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, while both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, the nuances in their housing materials lead to distinct sensory experiences during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it feel medium-light and more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a considerably heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in weight means that the Magnetic Jade is better for long typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue, while the Silent Ink Black may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a firmer key press. The contrasting forces highlight the distinct experiences each switch offers, so users can choose based on their personal preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a notable difference to consider. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from faster actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more traditional and hearty feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Magnetic Jade catering to those who enjoy a snappier experience, while the Silent Ink Black suits those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch produces a bright and clacky audio profile, making each keystroke resonate with a lively, satisfying pop. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback that comes with more traditional mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for a more subdued experience, characterized by its muted sound. This switch is ideal for quiet environments where loud keystrokes could be disruptive, as it minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the intensities vary, both switches contribute to their distinct atmospheres, influenced by factors such as board construction and keycap materials.
When exploring the feel of these switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is likely to provide a sharper, more tactile response during typing, fitting for individuals who appreciate a pronounced feedback with every key press. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black is renowned for its silky and polished feel; it offers a velvety smooth transition when typing, reducing resistance and enabling a seamless experience. This smoothness is accentuated by the switch's cushy, pillow-like bottom-out, ensuring a comfortable interaction with minimal friction. Thus, while the Magnetic Jade aims for an engaging tactile feedback, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a plush and refined typing sensation.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Silent Ink Black switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Magnetic Jade excites with its bright, clacky sound and engaging feel, making it a prime choice for users who crave auditory satisfaction and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a quiet typing experience paired with a smooth, luxurious feel, making it suitable for those who prioritize subtlety and comfort. Ultimately, your selection between these two options will hinge on your personal preferences regarding sound dynamics and tactile sensations, as each switch distinctly enhances the typing experience in its unique way.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you use your keyboard. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force and are looking for a lively, clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Magnetic Jade switches are an excellent choice. They can bring a vibrant acoustic element to your setup, particularly if you appreciate the tactile feedback and engaging sound profile that comes with typing on a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, if you require something quieter for shared or professional environments, the Silent Ink Black is a better fit. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and muted sound profile, this switch not only offers a silky and polished feel with minimal resistance but also ensures that your typing doesn’t disrupt those around you. Ultimately, choose the Magnetic Jade for a more expressive, auditory experience and the Silent Ink Black for a smooth, discreet typing solution.
Mentioned in this article
