Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Smoothie present two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking to enhance the acoustic experience of their keyboard, especially when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Users who prioritize a superior typing feel and striking acoustics will likely gravitate towards this option. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, known for its buttery and thocky sound signature, offers a remarkably smooth keystroke while maintaining affordability. This all-POM switch caters to individuals who value a lightweight touch and a more subdued auditory profile, making it an appealing choice for long typing sessions or gaming. While each switch has its own unique strengths, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Smoothie switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality stems from polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound when a key is released. In contrast, the Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, a material famous for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. Thus, while the Magnetic Jade produces a bright and vibrant sound when typing, the Smoothie's POM top housing lends itself to a warmer, more subdued auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Magnetic Jade and Smoothie switches employ materials that yield rich and deep sound profiles, albeit from different perspectives. The Magnetic Jade utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, providing a deeper and fuller acoustic signature. This characteristic makes the bottom-out sound rounder and more pronounced. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes similarly to a deep, muted sound but comes from its unique material properties. The presence of POM in both bottom housings suggests that users can expect a resonant yet mellow sound profile with both switches, albeit with the Magnetic Jade leaning toward a fuller sound due to the nylon's absorption properties.
In summary, although the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Smoothie switches exhibit fundamental differences in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POM—they maintain a degree of similarity in their bottom housing sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom contributes to a duller sound, while the Smoothie, with its POM, offers a muted experience but shares a commonality in warmth and depth. These differences in the top housing lead to contrasting auditory experiences during key release, while the synergy of their respective bottom housings fosters a deep and full typing experience overall. Therefore, while tactile nuances may vary based on key release and bottom-out perceptions, users can anticipate satisfying auditory performance from both switches thanks to their thoughtfully chosen materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that caters well to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long sessions. In contrast, the Smoothie switch requires a higher actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This makes the Smoothie potentially heavier in terms of actuation, but without a specified bottom out force, one cannot definitively compare the overall feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Magnetic Jade is clearly the lighter switch and designed for comfort during extended use, the Smoothie may offer a more robust feel, appealing to users who favor a firmer push. If a user were to select either switch based purely on actuation force, they would notice a distinctive difference, reflecting their individual preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Smoothie measures 3.6 mm, resulting in a longer travel distance. This slight difference may influence user experience; gamers may prefer the Magnetic Jade for its quicker response time due to the shorter distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback might lean towards the Smoothie for its deeper press. Ultimately, your choice between the two can depend on your preference for either rapid actuation or a more robust typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Hall Effect switch is known for its bright and clacky auditory profile, which appeals to users seeking a lively typing experience. This sharp sound can often enhance the enjoyment of each keystroke, particularly in gaming or typing scenarios where feedback is vital. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature that is described as deep, rich, and satisfying. The low-pitched character provides a bass-heavy tone, creating a softer and more subdued auditory experience, which results in a pleasant yet less attention-grabbing sound compared to the Magnetic Jade. Ultimately, while both switches have distinctive sound profiles, the choice between them comes down to whether you prefer a more pronounced clack or a deeper thock for your keyboard acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch's qualities are less documented. However, the Gateron Smoothie is celebrated for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. This means that users can expect an effortlessly smooth keystroke with minimal resistance. The tactile sensation of gliding across the keys enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Though specific details about the feel of the Magnetic Jade are absent, if it offers a similar experience to other Mechanical Hall Effect switches, it could still provide a quality feel, albeit in a different manner.
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Smoothie switches will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Magnetic Jade appeals to users who enjoy a brighter, more pronounced sound, while the Smoothie caters to those who appreciate a deeper and more subdued auditory experience alongside a remarkably smooth keystroke. If you’re looking for a lively typing experience, the Magnetic Jade is a suitable choice, but for effortless and buttery smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie stands out. While some characteristics may remain unknown, understanding these key differences allows a newcomer to make an informed selection based on their typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch boils down to your specific needs and preferences in a keyboard experience. If you prioritize a bright, clacky sound and a tactile experience with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Magnetic Jade switch is an excellent choice, especially for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Its auditory profile is ideal if you enjoy a more engaging typing sound while benefiting from its superior performance and build quality. On the other hand, if you value a buttery, creamy feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound that provides a deep, satisfying typing experience, the Smoothie switch might be the better option. Its all-POM construction delivers remarkable smoothness and a lightweight touch, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities, whether it's the sound and acoustics or the tactile feel and smoothness that enhances your typing pleasure.
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