Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Wine Red, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience with improved acoustics. Its high-pitched and polished feel appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a lively feedback while they type. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch, provides a more subdued yet rich typing experience, characterized by its pillowy light feel and deep, bassy sound profile. This switch is favored by users who appreciate a smoother, quieter experience without the clicky distractions. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style and sound 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
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Wine Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly impacts their sound profile. This shared material characteristic leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switches are activated. Polycarbonate's relative stiffness allows it to transmit sound waves efficiently, contributing to a clear and resonant auditory experience. Both switches also benefit from the aesthetic advantages of polycarbonate, particularly its translucency, which enhances the visibility of RGB lighting effects for users who favor illuminated keyboards. Therefore, when it comes to the top housing, both switches will yield a similar sound experience, emphasizing brightness and clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge, leading to distinct auditory outcomes. The Magnetic Jade employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when the switch bottoms out. This particular acoustical quality tends to create a more cushioned typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which harmonizes its sound profile with the top housing. As such, the bottom-out sound will be sharper and crisper, in line with the characteristics provided by polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches exhibit similarities in their top housing sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Magnetic Jade introduces a contrast that affects the overall typing experience.
When these two housing combinations are considered as a whole, the typing experience and sound profile of each switch reveal a blend of both materials’ contributions. The Gateron Magnetic Jade’s nylon bottom achieves a more rounded sound, enhancing the tactile response during key press actions, while the KTT Wine Red maintains a coherent crispness throughout due to its all-polycarbonate design. This difference emphasizes the importance of the bottom housing in defining bottom-out sounds and sensations, whereas the top housing heavily influences the release sound. In summary, while both switches share a similar auditory clarity from their polycarbonate tops, the distinct bottom housing materials create unique acoustic experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, despite both having the same bottom out force of 55 grams. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red features a heavier actuation force of 44 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel that some users may prefer for a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches bottom out at the same force, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, whereas the Wine Red caters to users seeking a stronger tactile push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Wine Red switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced and hearty typing experience, which some users may prefer for its depth. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker responsiveness, making it suitable for competitive gaming where every millimeter counts. Therefore, if you're seeking enhanced speed and efficiency, the Magnetic Jade would be the optimal choice, while the Wine Red would be better for those who appreciate a more traditional, tactile feel in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch produces a bright and clacky auditory experience that is characterized by its sharp, crisp tones. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more high-pitched and percussive sound profile while typing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deeper, richer sound that is more bassy and low-pitched. This switch provides a satisfyingly deep acoustic feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a more mellow typing sound. Overall, the two switches cater to different auditory preferences, with the Magnetic Jade favoring a brighter, more energetic tone and the Wine Red leaning towards a fuller, bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are noted for their polished and silky smooth characteristics. This refined design results in a very smooth typing experience with minimal friction, allowing for effortless key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches do not have any specific tactile qualities described, making it unclear how they compare in this regard. The Magnetic Jade would undoubtedly provide a more refined tactile experience, emphasizing smoothness, whereas the feel of the Wine Red remains unknown, leaving it open to personal interpretation.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Wine Red switches present distinctly different audio and tactile experiences. The Magnetic Jade stands out for its clacky, bright sound profile combined with a silky smooth feel, whereas the Wine Red switches provide a deeper and richer sound, although their tactile qualities are less well-defined. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding both sound and feel, and whichever one you choose, you'll enjoy a unique typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and the acoustic experience you desire. If you appreciate a bright and clacky sound with a smooth feel, the Magnetic Jade is your go-to option. Its polished and silky characteristics offer a refined typing experience that many enthusiasts seek, particularly those who enjoy the distinct high-pitched clack during key presses. This switch is especially advantageous for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios where auditory feedback enhances overall engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile complemented by a pillowy feel, the Wine Red switch would likely serve you better. With its low-pitched, bassy sound, it provides a warm acoustic experience that can be calming and enjoyable for lengthy typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal sound and feel preferences; whether you lean towards the bright clarity of the Magnetic Jade or the comforting depth of the Wine Red, both switches will enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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