Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, two options stand out for distinct reasons: the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are hailed for their bright, clacky sound and superior typing experience, making them particularly appealing to users looking to enhance the acoustics of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Their design embodies a unique hall effect mechanism, providing a tactile and responsive feel that many typists cherish. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches cater to gamers with their light actuation force and shortened travel distance, allowing for rapid key presses and a smooth, creamy typing sensation. These switches deliver a bassy sound profile that adds depth to gameplay, making them ideal for competitive scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. Both switches offer unique advantages—whether you prioritize acoustic performance or swift responsiveness—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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Akko V3 Silver Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a choice that greatly influences their acoustic properties. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches share this auditory characteristic, highlighting how polycarbonate can enhance the clarity and resonance of key presses. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, an asset for those who prioritize aesthetics along with performance. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of clarity and brightness when using either switch, especially in setups that incorporate RGB elements.
In contrast to their top housing materials, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings. Nylon is a well-established choice that imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material naturally absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted acoustic output during key presses. Because both the Magnetic Jade and V3 Silver Pro employ nylon in their bottoms, users can anticipate a consistent typing experience characterized by a comforting depth and smoothness in sound. The harmony between the softer nylon bottom and the rigid polycarbonate top creates a balanced auditory profile across both switches, enhancing overall typing pleasure.
When the qualities of the top and bottom housings are considered together, the impact of both components becomes evident. With the Magnetic Jade and V3 Silver Pro sharing similar materials for their respective housings, the blend of crisper highs from the polycarbonate top and the fuller lows from the nylon bottom manifests a well-rounded experience. As a result, whether it's the more defined sound of key releases or the satisfying depth of key presses, users will find that both switches deliver a balanced auditory experience grounded in their thoughtful material choices. Therefore, despite the differences in branding, enthusiasts and casual users alike can enjoy a parallel feel and sound profile from these two options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Gateron Magnetic Jade features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of touch. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro has a higher actuation force of 40 grams but a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the V3 Silver Pro requires a bit more force to register a keystroke, it doesn't push all the way down as hard as the Magnetic Jade. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter switch with a lower actuation force, making it better suited for extended typing sessions, while the V3 Silver Pro, being heavier in actuation force, provides that stronger, more tactile feedback for users preferring a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Magnetic Jade provides a more substantial tactile feedback with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro, with its shorter travel distance, could be more suited for gamers seeking faster response times and a more rapid key actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your individual preference for either the more pronounced depth of the Magnetic Jade or the quicker responsiveness offered by the V3 Silver Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch offers a bright and clacky auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a prominent acoustic feedback while typing. This lively sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing and gaming, especially when the goal is to achieve an engaging auditory response. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a pleasing, bassy sound that is likely more subdued but richer than higher-pitched options. While both switches aim to deliver enjoyable sound characteristics, the Magnetic Jade excels in providing clarity and an energetic feel, whereas the V3 Silver Pro caters to a more resonant and deeper sound profile, appealing particularly to gamers.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch's characteristics are less outlined, but it is known as a high-quality option for those seeking a superior typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers an impressive tactile experience defined by its light actuation force. This switch is easy to press and features a smooth, creamy feel that allows for a silky and polished keypress. The combination of these attributes results in minimal resistance, making it particularly comfortable for extended use, enhancing performance during rapid keystrokes in gaming and reducing finger fatigue with its feathery touch. Therefore, while the Magnetic Jade is praised, the V3 Silver Pro explicitly embraces comfort and responsiveness.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches both cater to distinct user preferences. The Magnetic Jade boasts a bright, clacky sound ideal for an engaging typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a bassy tone with features tailored for gaming, like a light actuation force and a creamy feel. Those preferring a more tactile auditory experience might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade, while gamers and daily typists may find the V3 Silver Pro's lightweight and smooth operation to be more advantageous. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, allowing each user to find a match that suits their specific typing and gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switches and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches, your choice should align with your specific typing or gaming needs. If you prioritize a standout acoustic profile and a satisfying tactile experience, the Magnetic Jade switches—characterized by their bright, clacky sound and a medium-light bottom-out force—are ideal for enhancing the overall mood of your setup, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard where such attributes shine. They are particularly suited for those who enjoy both gaming and typing, seeking an upgrade that delivers superior auditory feedback and a premium typing feel. On the other hand, if your primary focus is competitive gaming, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches would be an excellent fit. Their light actuation force, coupled with a smooth and creamy typing experience, makes for effortless keystrokes that can significantly reduce finger fatigue during lengthy gaming sessions. Additionally, their practical features—such as a faster actuation and a pleasing bassy sound—make them tailored for gamers who need quick responses without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you want a more immersive typing acoustic experience or a fast, comfortable gaming interface.
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