Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and TTC Silent Red offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal option for typists seeking not only an exceptional tactile feedback but also enhanced acoustics. This switch shines in environments that celebrate sound, providing an elevated auditory experience that many enthusiasts desire, particularly when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is designed for those who prioritize a quiet and fluid typing experience. With its muted sound profile, this linear switch ensures that users can type seamlessly without disturbing others, making it a perfect fit for office settings or shared spaces. Its buttery smooth action and padded bottom-out feeling enhance comfort for prolonged typing sessions. While both switches excel in their unique domains, they cater to different needs: one offering an auditory enhancement and the other facilitating a tranquil environment. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Silent Red, one notable similarity stands out: both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in both instances contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relative stiffness. This material characteristic allows for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate serves as an aesthetic advantage, particularly if RGB lighting is employed, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. In this respect, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound and light diffusion when utilizing either switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches diverge in their composition, yet they share a common material: nylon. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing by absorbing sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a distinctly softer and duller sound, which means that the bottom housing takes a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience when the switch bottoms out. Users of either switch will notice that while the top housing adds clarity to the key release sound, the nylon bottom housing introduces warmth and depth to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates a unique acoustic profile influenced by both the top and bottom housings. Since the Magnetic Jade and Silent Red share the same top housing material—polycarbonate—they will likely produce similar characteristics regarding the sound of key release. However, the different sound qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing ensure that users will experience nuances in the thermal response and overall sound profile unique to each switch. This interplay between the two materials facilitates a sound experience that combines sharpness from the polycarbonate top and warmth from the nylon bottom, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade switch features an actuation force of 30 grams, which classifies it as medium-light, while the Silent Red switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference suggests that the Magnetic Jade is favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, compared to the Silent Red's heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Therefore, the Silent Red offers a more substantial feel with a heavier push required both to actuate and bottom out, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer typing experience. In summary, if you’re looking for a lighter switch for longer use, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be preferable, whereas the TTC Silent Red would be more suitable for those who enjoy a heavier and more tactile feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness. In contrast, the Silent Red's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. Therefore, if you seek a responsive switch, the Magnetic Jade would be the ideal choice, whereas the Silent Red would better serve those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are renowned for their bright and clacky auditory profile, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. This sound characteristic is particularly appealing for users who appreciate the traditional mechanical keyboard experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches offer a much more muted sound profile, designed to produce minimal noise during use. This makes them an ideal option for environments where quiet operation is crucial, allowing users to type away without causing distractions, such as in offices or shared living spaces.
In terms of tactile feel, the Magnetic Jade switches provide a distinctive typing experience that emphasizes a lively keystroke, though specific details are not available regarding their tactile nature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are celebrated for their buttery smoothness, which ensures a seamless and fluid keystroke from start to finish. The feel is gently accommodating, characterized as mild, making it approachable and enjoyable for most typists. Furthermore, they have a polished quality, attributed to the materials and potential factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer a bright and engaging auditory experience combined with a distinctive tactile feel that remains unspecified. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Red switches are perfect for those prioritizing a quiet, smooth, and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences, particularly regarding sound and feel; however, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience suited to different environments and user needs.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy a bright, clacky sound while typing, the Magnetic Jade is your go-to option. Its medium-light actuation at 55 grams provides a comfortable feel, particularly if you're looking for a keyboard that delivers an engaging acoustic experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience—especially in shared spaces like offices or homes—the TTC Silent Red would be a better fit. With a higher actuation force of 63.5 grams, it offers a buttery and polished feel with minimal noise, making it ideal for concentrated work without disturbing those around you. Therefore, consider the atmosphere in which you’ll be using your keyboard and whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience or a quieter, seamless touch.
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