Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Speed Silver offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its bright, clacky sound, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking an enhanced auditory experience while typing. Its superior acoustics and tactile feedback elevate the overall typing experience, particularly for those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver serves the needs of users who prioritize speed and precision, featuring a light to medium resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, these linear switches provide quick and effortless actuation, ideal for gamers and typists alike. While both switches excel in their respective areas—one emphasizing auditory satisfaction and the other focusing on swift performance—they cater to different user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver switches share similarities in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This commonality in construction leads to similar sound profiles—characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making both switches appealing choices for users who prioritize tonal clarity. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their aesthetic appeal, especially in setups that feature RGB lighting, as the lights can shine through the housing, creating a vibrant visual effect. Thus, users can expect similar acoustic qualities when using these switches, noted for their bright and pronounced sounds.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Magnetic Jade and the Speed Silver is made from nylon, which serves to emphasize differences in sound profiles that arise from the combination of materials. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when the switches are actuated, providing a contrasting auditory experience from the top housing. The nylon’s sound-dampening properties give each keystroke a more rounded and muted quality, specifically influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom in both switches leads to a layered sound experience, where the qualities of each material are highlighted at different points in the keystroke.
Ultimately, the interplay of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Speed Silver showcases how differentiated materials can culminate in a harmonious acoustic performance. While the top housings yield crisp and bright sounds due to the polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housings temper those sounds, providing a fuller and richer experience upon bottoming out. This dynamic allows users to enjoy a well-rounded auditory sensation that balances clarity with warmth. In essence, despite the differences in sound characteristics provided by the separate materials, users can expect a cohesive and satisfying experience from both switch options, making either a worthy choice for diverse typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are the same. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the TTC Speed Silver's 45 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find the Magnetic Jade more comfortable for extended use, leading to less finger fatigue during lengthy sessions. However, both switches have an identical bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates that once fully pressed down, they provide the same resistance. As a result, while the Magnetic Jade caters more towards those who favor a lighter keystroke, the TTC Speed Silver offers a firmer push feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Hence, for users who appreciate a lighter actuation for ease of typing and longer usage, the Magnetic Jade is the better choice, while those who favor a heavier feel would gravitate towards the Speed Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, the two options showcase slightly different characteristics. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the more responsive choice, catering well to gamers who favor quick key presses for improved reaction times. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more robust tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preference for depth versus rapid response; if you opt for the switch with the shorter travel distance, you'll achieve a snappier experience, while the switch with the longer travel distance will offer a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 switches is characterized by a bright and clacky tone, which can significantly enhance the acoustic experience of typing, particularly when integrated into a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This sound is often favored by users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, aligning well with those who enjoy typists' symphony and who want their keyboard to stand out in terms of acoustic performance. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver switches offer a more neutral sound profile, boasting a moderate actuation force requirement. Their pristine sound makes them a versatile choice for various environments, whether for work or gaming, as they do not draw excessive attention compared to the Magnetic Jade. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches present an experience characterized by their tactile feedback that is likely intense and satisfying, though specifics are not provided here. This makes them suitable for typists seeking an engaging keypress that goes beyond mere functionality. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches are marked by their mild and polished feel. They provide a gentle typing experience with a smooth key travel, resulting from either the quality of materials or potential factory lubing. This makes the Speed Silver switches more approachable, catering to a broad spectrum of users looking for a relaxed and consistent typing experience without the extremes of more tactile or clicky switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and TTC Speed Silver switches offer distinctly different experiences in sound and feel. The Magnetic Jade excels in delivering a vibrant clack that captivates the auditory senses, while the Speed Silver maintains a neutral sound with greater versatility for varying environments. When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade likely provides a more engaging experience compared to the gentle and polished response of the Speed Silver. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, and understanding these characteristics will aid beginners in selecting the switch that best aligns with their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you're looking for a switch that offers a distinctive audio experience with a bright and clacky sound, and you appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Magnetic Jade switch is the perfect fit for you, especially if you are upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Its medium-light bottom-out force makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions while delivering a unique acoustics profile. On the other hand, if speed and precision are your top priorities, then the TTC Speed Silver switch may be the better choice. This switch’s faster actuation and reduced travel distance cater perfectly to gamers and typists alike, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes without sacrificing the sound profile. Additionally, its mild and polished characteristics provide a balanced, smooth typing experience that works well in both home and office environments. Ultimately, your decision should rest on whether you value more the auditory feedback and unique feel of the Magnetic Jade or the swift response and neutral characteristics of the Speed Silver.
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