Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red present two distinct options tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent upgrade for those looking to elevate their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard experience. With its emphasis on enhanced acoustics and a premium typing experience, it’s ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS Red, a linear switch, features a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a bouncy and responsive feel. This switch offers a heavier actuation force, promoting a more substantial typing experience while maintaining a familiar sound profile. Each of these switches caters to unique user needs, with the Magnetic Jade prioritizing sound and acoustic enjoyment, while the WS Red emphasizes a tactile and weighty typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches, it is evident that they differ significantly in their top housing compositions. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic aligns with polycarbonate's translucency, making it an ideal choice for users who want to enhance RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Red employs a nylon top housing, a more traditional material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. Therefore, while both switches may function efficiently, their top housings distinctly impact the auditory experience, creating a stark contrast in sound dynamics.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which utilizes nylon in each case. This uniform choice plays a crucial role in shaping the switches' overall feedback and acoustics upon actuation. Since nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, the bottom housing for both the Magnetic Jade and WS Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when the key bottoms out. This shared construction means users can expect a similar tonal quality from the bottom-out sound across both switches, which aids in achieving a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, despite the differing materials used for the top housing, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ties both switches together in terms of overall acoustic output and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with the same bottom housing material showcases how the sound profiles and experiences can be diverse yet interconnected. The Gateron Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top allows for a precise sound emission as a key is released, while the WS Red’s nylon top invites a warmer auditory experience. Both switches offer unique experiences derived from their distinct structures, yet the application of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a familiar depth and fullness in sound, regardless of the key's downward or upward motion. Thus, while their top and bottom housings create different resonances, the presence of nylon in the bottom half ensures a shared tactile and acoustic foundation across these two popular switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, but lacks a specified actuation force, complicating direct comparisons in that regard. Based on the available data, the Magnetic Jade is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to users looking for a softer feel that reduces finger fatigue. The WS Red, being heavier at bottoming out, may better suit those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the preferable option, while the WS Red caters to those who enjoy a stronger key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive key press, the Magnetic Jade could be the better option, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the WS Red's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel with each keystroke, providing a sense of depth that some find comforting. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a more rapid response or a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound profile, which contributes to a lively auditory experience, particularly suited for those who enjoy typing on a keyboard that provides a bit of acoustic flair. This quality makes it especially engaging for users who prioritize sound as part of their typing experience. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch, while also familiar in sound signature, maintains a classic tonal character that's more subdued and consistent, thanks to its material blend. Both switches will exhibit variations in sound based on the keyboard and keycap choices, but the Magnetic Jade is likely to stand out with its more pronounced auditory feedback.
When discussing feel, the Magnetic Jade provides a unique experience due to its magnetic mechanism, offering a smooth operation that aligns well with those who appreciate a responsive typing experience. Its characteristics suggest a combination of satisfaction in each keystroke and a sense of ease when typing quickly. On the other hand, the WS Red switch stands out with its bouncy and responsive feel, created by a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a heavier actuation force. This additional weight enhances the overall typing experience by adding a degree of substance and feedback, making it enticing for users who prefer a more tactile sensation in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Wuque Studio WS Red switches have unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade emphasizes a more vibrant sound and a smooth, effortless feel, making it ideal for users seeking a lively typing experience. In contrast, the WS Red offers a more subdued sound with a bouncy, heavier feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more tactile response. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results based on user preference; choosing between them comes down to whether one values a pronounced auditory experience or a weightier, more responsive tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, you'll want to consider both your typing preferences and your intended use. If you prefer a medium-light switch that provides a bright and clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is your best bet. It's especially suited for those who value acoustic feedback and a lively typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for gaming enthusiasts or anyone looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. The magnetic technology also offers unique responsiveness and longevity, which can enhance your overall typing performance. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier bottom-out force that contributes to a more solid and substantial typing feel, the WS Red linear switch may be more aligned with your preferences. Its bouncy, responsive design and familiar sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a traditional feel but want a bit more weight behind their keystrokes, which could be advantageous for typing long documents or engaging in coding. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal style and how you intend to use your keyboard, ensuring that you enjoy an optimal typing experience tailored to your needs.
Mentioned in this article
