Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between various features and characteristics to enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out with their unique Hall Effect technology, offering a bright and clacky sound that elevates acoustic pleasure, making them an excellent upgrade for Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize superior typing feel and sound, perfect for creating an immersive typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid-fire inputs. With its smooth push feel and bright, clacky sound profile, it caters perfectly to fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick responsiveness is paramount. While both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, their applications differ significantly based on user needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Vintage Citrus, we find that they share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This similarity contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches and enhances the overall typing experience. As nylon is a softer plastic, it tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback when the keys are pressed. Users of both switches can expect consistent acoustic properties regarding bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to this shared material in the bottom housing.
However, the top housings of these switches differ significantly in composition. The Magnetic Jade employs polycarbonate, while the Vintage Citrus utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is known for its sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, leading to a more resonant sound when the keys return to their resting position. This distinct quality contrasts with the Vintage Citrus’s nylon top housing, which, while capable of producing a higher sound profile, is inherently softer and generates a more muted response during actuation. Consequently, those who favor a more vibrant and pronounced sound could lean toward the Magnetic Jade, whereas users desiring a softer, more subdued auditory feedback might prefer the Vintage Citrus.
In the context of overall acoustic qualities, the combination of these materials influences the switches uniquely. Although both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, the contrasting top housings mean that users will experience different sound profiles when actuating and releasing the keys. The Magnetic Jade will likely provide a more clear and pronounced sound during release due to its polycarbonate top, while the Vintage Citrus will maintain a consistent roundness in sound throughout. Ultimately, while both switches may deliver superior sound absorption from their nylon bottom housings, the specific properties of the top housing materials create distinct auditory experiences when typing.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus's 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out forces of the two switches are relatively close, with the Magnetic Jade at 55 grams and the Vintage Citrus at 53 grams, meaning that the experience of bottoming out is similar between the two, offering a similar tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down. Ultimately, those who gravitate toward lighter switches should consider the Magnetic Jade for its lower actuation force, while those who appreciate a more substantial push will likely favor the Vintage Citrus for its heavier actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find a distinction in their measurements. The Magnetic Jade boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer of the two, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The difference in travel distance can influence the typing experience, with the Vintage Citrus providing a snappier response due to its shallower depth, which is appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade, with its greater travel distance, may be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper feel and more tactile feedback when typing. Thus, if you're aiming for a more responsive action, the Vintage Citrus is your ideal choice, while the Magnetic Jade caters to preferences for a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches share a bright and clacky audio profile. This vibrant sound is particularly appealing for those who enjoy acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials chosen, so while both switches have a similar auditory character, the final sound may vary depending on these additional factors.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches provide a notable tactile response, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying bump at the actuation point, which many users find rewarding. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with an exceptionally low actuation force and a smooth push feel, making it perfect for rapid-fire actions in gaming. While they cater to different preferences, the Magnetic Jade's tactile feedback might appeal to those who enjoy a distinct sensation while typing, whereas the Vintage Citrus is tailored for speed and fluidity.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and HMX Vintage Citrus switches are excellent options, each shining in their respective areas. They share a bright, clacky sound signature that could resonate well with users who prioritize auditory feedback. However, they differ significantly in feel, with the Magnetic Jade providing a tactile experience and the Vintage Citrus offering a smoother, lower-force push. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences for feel and sound in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize acoustics and tactile feedback, the Magnetic Jade may be your go-to option; it provides a bright and clacky sound that enhances your typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of each keypress. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams allows for comfortable typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, making it well-suited for extended use at work or during leisurely gaming. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer seeking swift response times, the Vintage Citrus is designed with you in mind. Its remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm allows for rapid inputs, ensuring every keystroke registers almost instantly, which is crucial during competitive gameplay. Additionally, its own bright, clacky sound adds character without sacrificing the smoothness that gamers often desire. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a superior typing experience and acoustic feedback or rapid-fire responsiveness and smooth actuation.
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