Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering unique characteristics and experiences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, recognized for their bright and clacky sound, are a prime choice for those upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, aiming for an acoustic enhancement and a superior typing experience. They are particularly appealing for individuals who prioritize sound and feedback in their typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches present a visually captivating, creamsicle hue coupled with a rich, bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, making each keystroke feel indulgent. Their medium weight makes them versatile for a wide user range, while the specially designed Ly stem and factory lube process contribute to a smooth gliding sensation and an exceptionally responsive typing experience. While both switches offer distinct advantages—be it the Magnetic Jade’s clackiness or the Sunset Yellow’s thockiness—each caters to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$8.00 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer a striking contrast that influences the overall sound profile of each switch. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This material not only enhances clarity in the sound profile but is also aesthetically appealing when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which provides a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in top housing materials directly affects the auditory experience, with the Magnetic Jade favoring brightness and clarity, while the Sunset Yellow leans towards a softer, more rounded sound.

Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of contrast between these two switches. The Magnetic Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that significantly contributes to a fuller, deeper sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively and adds to the overall dullness in the acoustic profile. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow's bottom housing also utilizes POM, which similarly nurtures an appealing sound but in a manner that maintains a high degree of mutedness. Thus, while both switches have deeper sound characteristics from their bottom housings, the Magnetic Jade’s nylon contributes to a richer, fuller sound, while the Sunset Yellow’s POM emphasizes a more gentle and subdued sound overall.

When combining the top and bottom housing materials, the resulting sound experience for each switch becomes a blend of the unique characteristics presented by each housing type. For the Magnetic Jade, the polycarbonate top provides clarity and vibrancy upon release, complemented by the fuller, more pronounced bass from the nylon bottom. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow's POM top and bottom housings work in tandem to cultivate a consistently muted, yet uniquely pleasing auditory experience throughout the keystroke. Ultimately, while each switch utilizes different materials for their respective housings, the overall performance will reflect these combinations in ways that either heighten or soften the auditory presence you experience when typing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 43 grams, which translates to a softer keystroke ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Magnetic Jade is slightly heavier at 55 grams, in contrast to the Sunset Yellow’s 51 grams. This means that while the Gateron switch allows for easier actuation, it requires a bit more effort to fully press down, offering a different tactile experience compared to the Everglide switch. Ultimately, those who appreciate a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while users seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Sunset Yellow, which offers a balance of less force needed to actuate but a firmer bottoming out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade offers a slightly deeper and potentially more satisfying press for those who appreciate a more substantial feedback, while the Sunset Yellow's shorter distance may cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. If faster actuation is a priority, the Sunset Yellow would be the preferable choice. Conversely, those who enjoy the traditional feel and hearty depth might lean towards the Magnetic Jade. Thus, depending on personal preference for response or depth, one can determine which switch might best suit their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches produce a bright and clacky sound, making them ideal for those who prefer a more energetic acoustic profile. This sound quality is particularly enhanced by the construction of the switch and is perfect for users looking to elevate their typing experience on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches feature a captivating sound that leans towards a rich and bassy character, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. This tingly auditory feedback creates a unique atmosphere while typing, offering a deep and thocky sound that many find satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Magnetic Jade leans towards a sharper, more vibrant sound, whereas the Sunset Yellow delivers a deeper, more resonant quality.

In terms of feel, the Magnetic Jade’s characteristics are not specified, but it is widely understood that hall effect switches tend to offer a unique and distinct experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow is celebrated for its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. Users report a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to gliding their fingers effortlessly across the keys, facilitated by the switch's design and factory lubrication. This combination of smoothness and responsiveness in the Sunset Yellow creates a typing experience that many find luxurious and pleasurable. Thus, while the definitive feel of the Magnetic Jade remains unspecified, it might be expected to offer an engaging sensation similar to that of more traditional mechanical switches.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches each offer their own sound and feel profiles, they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Magnetic Jade provides a bright, clacky sound while the Sunset Yellow delivers a deeper, bassy tone with a smoother tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel, and each switch can offer an enriching typing experience in its own right.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prioritize a bright, clacky acoustic feedback and seek to enhance the typing experience on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, the Magnetic Jade should be your go-to option. Its medium-light force of 55 grams makes it suitable for a variety of users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more indulgent tactile experience paired with a rich, bassy sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is the better choice. Its uniquely crafted feel, characterized by a creamy and frictionless typing experience, makes it ideal for someone who places a premium on silky key travel and refined acoustics. In summary, consider the Magnetic Jade for a punchy and clacky sound that elevates your typing with clarity, while the Sunset Yellow is perfect for those desiring a luxurious, understated sound with an impeccable, smooth feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more