Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX SU stand out for their unique characteristics and the distinct typing experiences they offer. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and an engaging typing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for upgrading Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts looking for enhanced acoustics. On the other hand, the HMX SU, categorized as a linear switch, boasts a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivering a subtle but deep sound profile that caters to those who favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the audible click. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel: if you crave a lively, responsive typing experience with a distinctive auditory character, the Magnetic Jade is ideal, whereas the HMX SU is perfect for those who enjoy a quieter, linear operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX SU switches exhibit contrasting characteristics primarily due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, a classic material known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer, more absorbent quality of nylon results in a rounder, less pronounced sound, which can substantially alter the typist's auditory experience with the switch. Thus, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade may excel in providing more defined sound excursions, the HMX SU offers a warmer, more muted typing sensation.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing as they both utilize nylon, resulting in a similar sound profile and tactile experience. The nylon material in both the Magnetic Jade and HMX SU bottom housings contributes to a fuller and deeper typing experience, absorbing sound more effectively than the harder polycarbonate. With this consistency across the bottom housings, users of either switch can expect a uniformity in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Consequently, whether you're using the Magnetic Jade or the HMX SU, the muted sound experience at the moment of bottoming out will remain consistent, highlighting the role of nylon in creating a polished tactile response.
In summary, the distinct differences in top housing materials lead to contrasting auditory experiences between the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX SU switches. While the polycarbonate top of the Magnetic Jade is geared towards a sharper sound profile, the nylon top of the HMX SU provides a rounded and deeper auditory quality. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a deeply satisfying feel to the user, emphasizing that even when materials diverge at the top, the underlying nylon creates a cohesive foundation for a similar typing experience, particularly in terms of sound upon actuation. Therefore, if one desires a crisper sound when releasing a key, the Magnetic Jade is preferable, while the HMX SU caters to those who enjoy the rounded tones inherent in nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the HMX SU has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out forces present a different dynamic; the Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is heavier than the SU’s 50 grams. This means that while the initial keystroke on the Magnetic Jade is lighter, it requires a greater force to fully depress the key. For users prioritizing comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Magnetic Jade offers a lighter actuation feel, although it ultimately requires a firmer push to bottom out. In contrast, the HMX SU's overall lighter feel may provide a more balanced experience thanks to its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SU offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the SU switch provides a marginally deeper feel when pressed, which might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation depth. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times. While both switches fall into the realm of relatively short travel distances, the Magnetic Jade could be ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, whereas the SU may better serve those who appreciate a bit more heft in their keystrokes. Overall, this small difference in travel distance could influence user preference depending on whether one values responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switches produce a bright and clacky noise that can enhance the auditory experience while typing, especially when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This distinct sound profile is particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more vibrant acoustic feedback in their mechanical setup. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switches deliver a more subtle and relatively deep sound, thanks to their full PA12 housing and T5 stem configuration. While the Magnetic Jade may bring a lively energy to your keystrokes, the SU's sound offers a softer, more muted quality that could be preferable for those who seek less intrusive audio during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is known for providing a superior typing experience, often characterized by a satisfying tactile feedback that makes each keystroke feel responsive and engaging. This switch is designed to enhance the overall interaction with the keyboard, making it a standout choice for type enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a smoother experience typical of linear switches, which means it lacks the tactile bump but may provide a gliding sensation with each press. This smoothness can be comforting for users who appreciate fluid motion without any interruption, although it may not have the same engaging feedback as the Magnetic Jade.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and HMX SU linear switches cater to distinct user preferences regarding sound and feel. The Magnetic Jade excels in producing a bright and engaging auditory feedback while offering a tactile experience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking an immersive typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX SU provides a smoother and quieter alternative with its deeper sound profile, catering to users who prioritize a more subdued auditory environment. Depending on the individual’s typing style and preferences, these switches can deliver similarly satisfying results in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that provides a brighter and clackier sound, with a medium-light actuation force that can give you a more dynamic typing experience, then the Magnetic Jade will likely be the better option for you. It's particularly suited for gamers and typists who appreciate the feedback and acoustics that accompany a lively switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keystroke with a lighter bottom out force that offers an understated yet enjoyable typing feel, the SU switch is your best bet. Its full PA12 housing and overall design contribute to a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for office environments or situations where noise levels need to be minimized. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own right, so you'll want to consider what aspects of sound, feel, and actuation force resonate most with your typing style and needs.
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