Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Strawberry offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of tactile performance and sound. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky auditory feedback, making it an ideal choice for users seeking to enhance their typing experience with superior acoustics. This switch shines particularly for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a lively and engaging sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch characterized by its low-pitched, frictionless, and silky actuation, brings a smooth and comfortable typing experience to the table. With its attractive pink and clear housings, it not only performs well but also adds a visually appealing aspect to any keyboard setup. While both switches have unique strengths—whether you prefer the pronounced auditory feedback of the Magnetic Jade or the buttery smoothness of the Strawberry—each caters to different user preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Strawberry switches, one significant similarity is their choice of material for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This commonality in material means that, aesthetically, both switches can effectively showcase RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows light to pass through beautifully. The sound characteristics produced by polycarbonate also enhance the overall auditory experience, making both the Magnetic Jade and Strawberry switches suitable for users seeking a vibrant sound profile when key presses are released.
However, the differences between the two switches become prominent when considering the bottom housing materials. The Magnetic Jade features a nylon bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a mellower auditory experience when keys bottom out. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. As a result, the Strawberry will mirror the sharper sound quality of its top housing even when keys are fully pressed down, leading to a more cohesive yet noticeably brighter audio overall.
These contrasting materials in the bottom housings lead to distinct differences in how each switch sounds and feels during typing. When typing on the Gateron Magnetic Jade, the nylon bottom housing imparts a rounded feel and sound, offering a softer transition when the key is fully depressed. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry, with its polycarbonate bottom, enhances the brightness of the audio experience and maintains a crisp feedback through every keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches share a similar top housing material that provides luminosity and sharp sound, their bottom housings exemplify how different materials can influence the tactile and auditory experience of a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Strawberry necessitates a heavier force of 43 grams for actuation. This makes the Magnetic Jade more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions at work or during long gaming marathons. Regarding bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, again lighter than the Strawberry's 62 grams. Collectively, this means that the Magnetic Jade offers a more responsive and less strenuous typing feel, whereas the KTT Strawberry provides a more substantial push feel with its heavier force. Thus, those who enjoy a lighter, more agile switch will gravitate towards the Gateron Magnetic Jade, while those who appreciate a firmer response may opt for the KTT Strawberry.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade is the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quick response times often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users appreciate for its depth. Therefore, if you lean towards shorter, more responsive key presses, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, while the Strawberry may be ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 switch is characterized by a bright and clacky tone, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate acoustics in their typing experience. This higher-pitched sound can add an engaging auditory layer to your keystrokes, creating an energizing and satisfying atmosphere when typing or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch emits a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy. This creates a quieter and more subdued auditory experience, ideal for environments where noise might be a concern. Ultimately, while the sound profiles of these two switches differ significantly, the actual acoustics can vary based on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, meaning both can be tailored towards user preference.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch’s tactile and responsive nature is yet to be described; however, the KTT Strawberry switch stands out with its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics. This combination ensures an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, allowing for fast and comfortable keystrokes with minimal resistance. The Strawberry's design contributes to a refined feel that many typists find highly desirable, making a stark contrast to whatever tactile feedback the Magnetic Jade offers, which remains unspecified.
In conclusion, if you are looking to select between these two switches, understanding their sound and feel can greatly influence your choice. The bright and clacky audio of the Magnetic Jade versus the mellow tones of the KTT Strawberry present distinct auditory experiences, each suited for different preferences. When it comes to feel, the frictionless and polished qualities of the Strawberry provide a smooth typing experience that may appeal to users seeking comfort and fluidity. Ultimately, both options cater to different desires, and your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and desired typing experience. If you find yourself prioritizing a quieter, more clacky typing sound that elevates your acoustic enjoyment, then the Magnetic Jade will serve you well, offering a bright and engaging auditory experience. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long sessions. On the other hand, if you value a smoother, more frictionless feel while typing, the KTT Strawberry is a fantastic option with its buttery, polished action that caters to a comfortable and effortless typing experience. The slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams provides a solid, confident feedback without compromising on comfort. Therefore, when choosing between these two, consider whether you’re looking for a unique sound profile and a lighter press, or a silky smooth touch and a firmer feel; each switch caters to different typing styles and preferences.
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