Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and HMX Swift present two compelling options, each with its own unique benefits and character. The Magnetic Jade switches shine with their bright and clacky sound, making them a popular choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience and acoustics, particularly when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Their appeal lies in the tactile and auditory feedback they provide, which can enhance the joy of typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switches are known for their silky smoothness and deeper sound profile, thanks to their full nylon housings and a gentle 42g actuation force. This makes them an excellent option for users who prefer a more subdued sound while enjoying the ease of a light touch. Both switches cater to specific preferences, whether you seek a lively auditory experience or a smooth, easy-to-press action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Swift, it's clear that the two switches employ different materials for their top housings while utilizing the same material for their bottom housings. The Magnetic Jade features a top housing made from polycarbonate, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing it to produce clear and resonant sounds that can be particularly advantageous for users seeking a more pronounced auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Swift employs a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is characteristic of nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound and thus results in a sound that is nourished with a certain depth as compared to polycarbonate.
Both switches utilize nylon material for their bottom housings, which brings a consistent element to their performance. The nylon composition provides a more muted and rounded sound that enhances the tactile feel during typing by absorbing impact. This shared aspect means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a similar depth in sound and feel due to the nylon's plush absorption characteristics. However, as the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, the final auditory feedback experienced by users will be more pronounced in the context of the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials while using the same bottom housing reflects a careful engineering choice, with the Magnetic Jade leveraging polycarbonate's clarity against the Swifts' nylon warmth. For users, this means that the overall experience will differ when typing: the Magnetic Jade will announce a brighter sound when keys are released, while the Swift will provide a more subdued auditory response. Nonetheless, both switches will echo a similar foundation of sound dampening and tactile enjoyment, enabling enthusiasts to appreciate the nuances provided by their respective top housing materials even as they converge on a similar bottom housing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the HMX Swift has a higher actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Swift requires more effort to register a keystroke, it provides a relatively comfortable bottom out experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that facilitates a lighter overall typing feel, the Magnetic Jade is the better option, whereas the Swift caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation with its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Swift offers a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Swift may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers who value rapid response times and quicker actuation, making it a potentially better choice for fast-paced gaming. Overall, if one opts for the Magnetic Jade, they may appreciate the enhanced responsiveness, while those who choose the Swift could enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 produced by the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is notably bright and clacky, characterized by a sharp and resonant tone that enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke. This makes them an excellent choice for users who favor a lively sound during typing. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switches feature a deeper sound profile, attributed to their full nylon housings. These switches still maintain a crisp quality, but the overall sound signature leans towards a richer and more subdued auditory experience. While the Magnetic Jade excels in producing a brighter string of sounds, both switches deliver distinct auditory cues that cater to different preferences, making your choice reliant on what sound environment you prefer.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches offer a unique typing experience that remains somewhat unspecified compared to the HMX Swift’s impressive tactile features. The Swift switches are renowned for their easy-to-press nature, requiring only a gentle application of force thanks to their 42g actuation. This facilitates extended writing or gaming sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Swift switch exhibits a bouncy quality that provides delightful feedback with each keystroke while also being described as creamy, making it a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Without explicit details on the Magnetic Jade's feel, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison, but the informed user would understand that both switches aim to enhance comfort in their typing experience, albeit in different ways.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and HMX Swift linear switches exhibit unique sound and feel qualities that cater to various user preferences. The Magnetic Jade shines with its bright and clacky acoustics, making it a great choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Swift offers a deeper sound profile and an incredibly light, smooth, and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user’s desired auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction, but both options promise to enhance the typing experience with their respective strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a balanced typing experience with a bright, clacky sound that enhances acoustics, the Magnetic Jade is the way to go. Its medium-light 55g bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that's ideal for a variety of typing tasks, from casual gaming to professional work. However, if you prioritize ease of use and comfort, particularly for longer sessions, the HMX Swift offers a delightful option with its light 50g actuation force. The silky smooth, easy-to-press feel, combined with its deeper sound profile, makes it perfect for both gaming and extensive typing without causing fatigue. Thus, reflect on the sound and feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard; if you want an engaging audio experience with a solid typing resistance, opt for the Magnetic Jade, whereas if you prefer a cushy, low-impact typing experience, choose the HMX Swift.
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