Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gazzew U4 stand out for their unique characteristics and tailored experiences. The Magnetic Jade is a hall effect switch celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a superior auditory feedback while typing and seek to enhance the acoustic profile of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that excels in providing a sharp, exhilarating tactile bump coupled with a soft, plush bottom-out sensation, all while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile, making it perfect for users who prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths, catering to different preferences: the Magnetic Jade is great for enthusiasts looking for lively sound and feedback, while the U4 is suited for those who prioritize quiet operation and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gazzew U4, it becomes clear that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. This characteristic makes it especially suitable for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as its clarity can enhance visual effects. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary blend of plastic, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is softer and designed to provide a rich, deep sound profile. This fundamental difference in material means that users will experience contrasting auditory feedback when typing, with the Magnetic Jade offering a crisper tone and the U4 producing a more subdued sound.
Looking at the bottom housing, both switches align closely with regards to material characteristics, as they both utilize nylon or a similarly soft plastic blend. The Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing vibrations more effectively than harder plastics would do. Similarly, the U4's bottom housing, made from its proprietary Gazzew blend, also offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This means that while the top housings differ, the similarities in the softness of their bottom materials help to create a fuller, rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the keys, resulting in a more cohesive feel across both switches during use.
In summary, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gazzew U4 differ significantly in their top housing materials—yet both aim for distinct sound profiles—there is a notable alignment in their bottom housing compositions. The Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top lends a sharper sound, while the U4's proprietary blend offers a warmer tone. However, with both switches sharing a soft material for their bottom housings, users will enjoy a similar depth and fullness when typing, despite their differing auditory results in the upper ranges. This nuanced interaction highlights the importance of material choices in switch design, affecting both sound quality and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, significant differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, in contrast to the U4's heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers using the Magnetic Jade may find it more comfortable for extended sessions, as less force is required to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Magnetic Jade is 55 grams, which is also lighter compared to the U4's 62 grams. Thus, the Magnetic Jade is overall a lighter option, providing a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the U4, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, caters to users who prefer a more substantial, tactile feedback during typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Overall, if one favors a lighter touch for comfort over longer durations, the Magnetic Jade is the clear choice, while the U4 is better suited for those who appreciate a heavier key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we see a slight difference that caters to different user preferences. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Magnetic Jade the shorter option, and the Gazzew U4 the longer one. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade may be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may find the slightly deeper travel of the U4 to their liking, offering a more pronounced feedback with each 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 profile of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is characterized by a bright and clacky tone, making them ideal for users who enjoy an auditory feedback that stands out, often enhancing the overall typing experience. This sound quality is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more prominent acoustic signature. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 silent tactile switches present a muted and low-pitched sound profile. This combination results in a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the sharper notes of the Magnetic Jade, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued and discreet keyboard sound.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch's characteristics are not explicitly detailed. However, the Gazzew U4 offers a distinctive tactile experience marked by a sharp bump that provides high feedback intensity. This tactile spike is not only distinctly felt with each keystroke, but it is also complemented by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Users who prefer a noticeable tactile response will find the U4 particularly gratifying, while the exact feel of the Magnetic Jade remains unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation.
Considering all the available information, those who favor a bright and clacky auditory feedback may find the Gateron Magnetic Jade to be a superior choice, especially for an expressive typing style. Conversely, those seeking a more refined and quiet experience will likely appreciate the Gazzew U4’s plush tactile bump combined with its muted sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches hinges on personal preferences regarding sound intensity and tactile feedback, allowing for a highly customizable typing experience regardless of which model one chooses.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches and Gazzew U4 tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a vibrant typing feel and acoustic feedback, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is a compelling option. With its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, you’ll experience a bright and clacky sound that brings joy to typists who enjoy a lively keystroke. This switch shines particularly when used in applications that benefit from fast actuation, like gaming, and is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the acoustic experience of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard.
On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with substantial tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4 switches would serve you better. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams, the U4 offers a pronounced tactile bump that provides excellent feedback without being overly loud. Their muted, low-pitched sound profile makes them a great choice for quiet environments, such as shared workspaces or libraries. These switches not only cater to those who prefer a softer keystroke but also provide a plush, felt-like sensation at bottom out, making each press a satisfying experience.
In summary, go for the Magnetic Jade if you want a clackier and more responsive feel suited for dynamic typing or gaming, while the U4 is perfect for a more subtle yet tactile touch in quieter settings. Your choice should reflect your typing habits, sound preferences, and the environment where you plan to use your keyboard.
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