Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options from Gateron are the Magnetic Jade and Weightlessness switches, each catering to unique preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, known for its bright and clacky sound, is ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and are looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard with a superior typing experience and improved acoustics. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, appealing to users who may prefer a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile preferences without being overly loud. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a pronounced auditory response or a tactile feedback with a more subdued acoustic quality. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, the choice of housing materials significantly influences their acoustic profiles and overall user experience. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is particularly advantageous for users who favor a crisp and clear auditory feedback when typing, enhanced further by the housing's translucency, making it suitable for setups with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound, as the nylon absorbs more sound waves than the harder polycarbonate, thus producing a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the Magnetic Jade is oriented towards a brighter sound profile, the Weightlessness aims for a more subdued audio signature.
Interestingly, both the Magnetic Jade and the Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that in terms of sound absorption qualities, users will likely experience the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel at the bottom-out point when the key is fully pressed. As both switches feature nylon in this respect, they will produce a consistent softer sound when bottoming out, despite the differences in the materials used for their top housings. This shared characteristic supports a common acoustic quality at the point of key actuation, allowing both switches to perform similarly in this regard.
Ultimately, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness provide distinct experiences driven mainly by their top housing materials while sharing the same bottom housing material. The polycarbonate top of the Magnetic Jade delivers a sharper sound whilst interacting with RGB lighting effects, whereas the nylon top of the Weightlessness presents a warmer, tissue-like acoustics that may be preferred for quieter typing environments. While the bottom housings of both switches contribute to a fuller sound, the interaction of the stiffer polycarbonate with the softer nylon creates remarkably different outcomes in sound signature, allowing users to choose based on personal preference for tonal and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences in actuation force reveal distinct typing experiences. The Magnetic Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a significantly heavier actuation force at 50 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Magnetic Jade will provide a quicker response, while the Weightlessness may offer more tactile feedback. Additionally, the Magnetic Jade's bottom out force of 55 grams indicates a certain resistance when pressing down completely, enhancing the typing experience for users who appreciate that feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is listed as unavailable. Thus, while the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option across the board, the weightier actuation force of the Weightlessness may cater to those who seek a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the longer option by a slight margin of 0.1 mm, offering a deeper feel for those who appreciate a hearty actuation depth. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters more to users who prefer a faster response time, making it potentially more appealing for gamers. The difference between the two is subtle but notable; thus, if a user opts for the Magnetic Jade, they may enjoy a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Weightlessness would deliver a quicker, more immediate action with its shorter travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 character of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is notably bright and clacky, creating an engaging auditory experience that can enhance any typing session. This lively sound profile is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback, making it a great choice for users who appreciate the auditory element in their typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches produce a subtler sound, which can range from subtle to moderate, thus offering a more balanced acoustic experience that complements its tactile feel. While both switches deliver unique sound profiles, it’s important to note that the overall sound can still vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the specific keycaps used.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Magnetic Jade switch is designed to provide a superior feel, though its exact tactile quality wasn’t specified. Nonetheless, many users might find it offers an engaging experience that stands out with a satisfying response. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch is characterized by its subtle to moderate tactile feel, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a less intrusive tactile sensation. This balanced approach allows for a smooth typing experience without overwhelming fingers, which might appeal to users who favor a more understated tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Weightlessness switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Magnetic Jade excels in producing a bright and clacky sound, likely paired with a satisfying tactile feel, while the Weightlessness provides a more nuanced acoustic profile infused with a moderately tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will boil down to whether you prioritize a pronounced sound and feel or a more balanced, subtle typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound and are looking for a switch that provides a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option for you, especially if you're aiming for an engaging typing experience that upgrades the acoustics of your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. These characteristics can enhance your overall enjoyment during long typing sessions or intense gaming moments, making it ideal for users who crave feedback both audibly and through feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience with a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch might be the better choice. Its tactile feel can offer a satisfying yet subdued feedback, making it suitable for office environments or situations where noise needs to be minimized while still preserving a quality feel during typing. In essence, if you value sound and a noticeable actuation force, go for the Magnetic Jade; if you seek a more understated and refined tactile sensation, the Weightlessness is the way to go.
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