Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking an enhanced auditory experience while typing. This switch excels in providing a superior feel, perfect for those upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, as it merges feedback and sound into a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stands out as a linear switch that combines a unique PA12 top housing with a POM stem, delivering a softer acoustic profile and a notable crispness in key presses. This switch is tailored for users who prioritize subtle sophistication and precise performance in their typing. Both switches serve unique purposes, with the Magnetic Jade focusing on sound and tactile feedback, while the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes a smooth, consistent keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches, a distinct difference emerges between their top housings. The Magnetic Jade utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched sounds. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon as its top housing material, inducing a deeper and fuller sound profile because of nylon's softer composition, which allows for greater sound absorption. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials sets the groundwork for divergent sound characteristics between the two switches.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find a notable similarity. Both the Magnetic Jade and Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which yields a similar sound quality that is constructed to absorb sound and create a more muted auditory experience. This shared material in the bottom housing ensures that both switches possess a deeper and rounder sound profile upon key actuation, emphasizing the impact of nylon on overall switch performance. While the top housing discrepancies lead to different auditory experiences during release, the commonality in soft nylon bottom housings helps maintain consistency when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate for the Magnetic Jade's top housing and nylon for the Xinhai (Heavy) results in contrasting auditory experiences during the pressing and releasing of keys. The softer nylon bottom housing contributes sufficiently to the overall sound experience of both switches, offering a unified depth to bottom-out sounds. The significant distinction lies in the top housing materials, which dictate the sound signature during key release. Therefore, if one were to use both switches in a tactile context, the contrasting properties of the top housings would yield different overall acoustic results, while the bottom housings impart a shared richness to the typing experience, yielding a complex but exciting diversity for avid keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force highlight their distinct feel during use. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer ease of typing, particularly during long sessions whether at work or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) comes with a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. This means that for individuals who enjoy a firmer push feel, the Xinhai switch would be the better choice. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, while the Xinhai is the heavier switch, offering different experiences based on user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the switch with the longer travel distance, offering a deeper keypress experience favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy)'s travel distance may appeal more to gamers or those seeking quicker response times due to its shorter travel, enhancing rapid keystroke execution. While both switches provide a feeling of responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade may feel less abrupt compared to the Xinhai (Heavy), which could lead to a preference based on individual typing needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 produced by the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is bright and clacky, making them ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This lively sound profile enhances the overall typing experience and can provide a satisfying feedback loop for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches project softer acoustics thanks to their PA12 top housing, which helps to dampen some of the harshness while maintaining distinct higher-pitched notes from the POM stem. While the Magnetic Jade may offer a more pronounced soundscape, the Xinhai’s subtler tones can appeal to those who prefer a more refined auditory experience. However, it's important to remember that the final sound can also depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used with either switch.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is renowned for its smooth and satisfying actuation, likely providing a responsive typing experience that many find preferable for both gaming and regular typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a more substantial feel due to its heavier design, which can contribute to a sense of control and precision during use. The combination of a heavier actuation force with the linear switch mechanics fosters a different typing dynamic compared to the lighter, crisper feel of the Magnetic Jade. Whether users favor the livelier feedback of the Magnetic Jade or the solid presence of the Xinhai, personal preference will greatly determine the ideal switch choice.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different types of users. The Magnetic Jade stands out with its bright, clacky sound and smooth actuation, appealing to those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a softer sound profile and a more substantial feel, perfect for users seeking precision and subtlety in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in both sound and feel, and users can trust that they will achieve enjoyable results regardless of which path they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a medium-light key feel and desire a bright, clacky sound for that satisfying auditory feedback, the Magnetic Jade switches are an excellent choice, particularly for enhancing the acoustics of your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. They offer a distinctive typing experience that emphasizes engaging sound and comfortable feedback, making them ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a more subdued sound profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches provide a robust and sophisticated feel, perfect for those who enjoy precise, deliberate keystrokes paired with a softer acoustic experience. Their unique construction allows for a refined typing environment, catering beautifully to either work-focused tasks or casual gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider what feels and sounds best for your individual use case, and choose accordingly for the optimal keyboard experience.
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