Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the PH Studio Yoel present two distinct yet compelling options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an engaging auditory feedback that upgrades their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This switch excels in offering a superior typing experience, enriched acoustics, and a tactile response that can elevate one's overall interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel, a linear switch manufactured by BSUN, provides a delectably chewy typing sensation, inviting fingers to glide smoothly over its keys. Characterized by its bright and clacky sound, the Yoel switch also delivers a resonant bottom-out experience that many users find satisfying. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Magnetic Jade appealing to those who prioritize auditory feedback and enhanced tactility, while the Yoel targets users who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The top housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the PH Studio Yoel are both constructed from polycarbonate, which leads to strikingly similar acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate is pivotal in shaping the sound profile of both switches. With its inherent stiffness, polycarbonate yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, providing an excellent auditory experience for typists and gamers alike. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent quality of polycarbonate, making them ideal for setups that feature RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual appeal between the two switches due to their shared top housing material.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly, which affects their overall sound profiles when in use. The Magnetic Jade employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, creating a sound that is rounder and smoother. In contrast, the Yoel uses POM for its bottom housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile that remains on the deeper side but is relatively muted compared to nylon. This difference means that while both switches may have similar upper acoustic profiles, the sound experienced when bottoming out each switch will vary, thanks to the distinct characteristics of their respective bottom housing materials.
The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon or POM bottom housing creates a nuanced experience for each switch, impacting how the user perceives sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Magnetic Jade emphasizes a fuller and deeper sound when the key is pressed down, while the appeal of POM in the Yoel slightly dims the sound's resonance, contributing to a different typing experience. Thus, while both switches may share the crisper acoustic qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, they diverge in the tonal characteristics and tactile feedback provided by their bottom housings, leading to a unique experience dictated by the specifics of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced resistance. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience favored by users who prefer that tactile feedback. Therefore, for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort during extended periods of typing, the Magnetic Jade would be preferable, while the Yoel would cater to users seeking a firmer push sensation. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, while the Yoel is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference indicates that the Magnetic Jade will provide a deeper feel when pressed compared to the Yoel, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Yoel may appeal to gamers or those who prefer rapid key presses for quicker responses. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Yoel would be the better option, whereas for a more traditional depth, the Magnetic Jade might be preferable. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the longer travel switch, while the Yoel is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 PH Studio Yoel switches exhibit a bright and clacky character, making them appealing choices for users who enjoy an auditory feedback that is sharp and lively. The Magnetic Jade's sound profile is recognized for its clarity and crispness, which creates an engaging auditory experience while typing. Similarly, the Yoel's bright and clacky attributes contribute to an equally satisfying resonance when keys bottom out, evoking a percussive feel that is pronounced and enjoyable. The sound from both switches can vary slightly depending on the keyboard and keycap combinations used, but users can generally expect a distinctly lively and clacky auditory output from either option.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Yoel linear switch is praised for its creamy texture, which delivers a smooth and buttery typing experience, reminiscent of gliding over the keys with ease. This silky sensation is often attributed to factory lubrication and the materials used, resulting in reduced friction and a polished experience. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Magnetic Jade switches are not explicitly mentioned, leaving their tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, given the overall expectations around mechanical switches, it is reasonable to assume that they offer a solid typing experience. Without direct descriptions of the Magnetic Jade’s tactility, one can infer that its performance may still satisfy typists who prioritize responsive keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and PH Studio Yoel switches deliver a compelling auditory experience with their bright, clacky sounds. The Yoel, however, stands out with its creamy and polished feel, potentially offering a superior tactile sensation. While the specific feel of the Magnetic Jade remains uncertain, both switches share the common quality of providing an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both options seem likely to yield a positive result for keyboard enthusiasts, but the choice will likely depend on whether one prioritizes a definitively smooth typing experience or is content with the performance of the Magnetic Jade, which, while not detailed, could still prove satisfying.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are someone who enjoys a medium-light actuation force and desires a bright, clacky sound for an engaging auditory experience, the Magnetic Jade switch might be your perfect match. These switches excel in creating an immersive typing experience, making them ideal for those who want to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard with superior acoustics. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more refined and buttery typing experience, the Yoel switch is likely the better option. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams combined with a creamy feel delivers a silky smoothness that’s ideal for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a more polished touch. Furthermore, the clacky and resonant sound profile of the Yoel offers a unique charm that may appeal to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize sound and force characteristics or the smoothness and texture of your keystrokes, as each switch caters to different aspects of the typing experience.
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