Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Twilight each offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience and enjoy improved acoustics, particularly in setups like the Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, with its linear switch design and extended 3.85mm travel distance, provides a slightly quieter typing experience while still preserving the signature clacky qualities of HMX switches. While both options cater to distinct user needs—whether prioritizing auditory feedback or a more subdued sound profile—there are compelling reasons to choose each one based on your typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Twilight switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This property allows for a more resonant auditory experience, especially beneficial in setups where RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Twilight uses a nylon top housing, which is softer and provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, leading to a significant contrast in how each switch responds acoustically when pressed.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is identical, as they both utilize nylon. With both the Magnetic Jade and the Twilight featuring nylon in their bottom housings, this consistency contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differences in the top housings. The softer characteristics of nylon allow for better sound absorption, impacting the bottom-out feel of each switch similarly. This means users can expect certain auditory and tactile proximities when engaging with either switch, despite the dissimilarities enjoyed during release due to the contrasting top housing materials.
Lastly, it's essential to recognize how the qualities of the housing materials influence the overall performance of each switch. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Magnetic Jade means that the sharper release sound is complemented by a mannerly smooth bottom-out feel, thanks to the nylon's absorption properties. Conversely, the Twilight's nylon top and bottom housing creates a uniformly round and softer sound profile throughout, which may appeal to users who prefer a consistent tonal quality. Thus, while the haptic experience and sound characteristics vary between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom effectively underscores the tactile experience, ensuring that users benefit from a similarly engaging interaction, with discrepancies primarily arising during the key release phase.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Twilight switch has a higher actuation force of 42 grams, making the Magnetic Jade the lighter option, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade reaches a force of 55 grams, whereas the Twilight’s bottom out force is slightly lighter at 50 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the Magnetic Jade is easier to trigger, its overall feel when bottoming out is heavier. Therefore, users seeking a lighter overall typing experience might gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those who favor a more substantial feel, especially at the bottom of the keystroke, might find the Twilight more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, whereas the Twilight features a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference means that gamers or users who prioritize quick response times may find the Magnetic Jade more appealing due to its reduced travel distance, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback might prefer the Twilight, as its longer travel distance offers a more heartfelt depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding the feel and responsiveness desired in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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, enhancing the auditory experience of typing. This vibrant sound profile makes them particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch is noted for a slightly quieter operation, attributed to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, while still retaining the characteristic clacky sound typical of HMX switches. The differences in sound can be significant depending on the acoustic properties of the keyboard and the keycaps used, but overall, the Magnetic Jade delivers a more lively auditory experience compared to the somewhat subdued Twilight.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is celebrated for providing a superior typing experience, which likely means it offers a tactile response that users can appreciate during long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch is tailored as a linear switch, providing a smooth feel throughout its entire travel distance without the tactile bump. The lack of a tactile indication in the Twilight can lead to a different typing experience, favoring users who prefer a seamless keypress without interruption. This makes both switches suitable for distinct preferences: Magnetic Jade for those who relish feedback and Twilight for users who appreciate fluidity.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and HMX Twilight switches cater to specific user needs, with the Magnetic Jade delivering a bright, clacky sound alongside a satisfying typing feel, while the Twilight offers a quieter acoustic profile with a smoother linear experience. Depending on your typing style and preferences, you can choose based on whether you value sound and tactile feedback or a more serene and fluid keypress. Each switch has its unique qualities that can significantly influence your overall keyboard experience, making it essential to consider what attributes matter most to you.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for sound profile and tactile feel. If you’re after a medium-light switch that delivers a bright and clacky sound, providing a lively typing experience ideal for a more responsive and tactile touch, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option. It excels in acoustic performance and provides a superior typing experience, making it a perfect match for those who prioritize auditory feedback and want to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with an extended travel distance, and prefer a slightly quieter operation while still enjoying the classic clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches, the Twilight is the way to go. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it especially suitable for longer typing sessions without straining your fingers. In summary, consider the Magnetic Jade for a more pronounced auditory experience and tactile feedback, while opting for the Twilight if you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with slightly less noise.
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