Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and desired typing experience, and two excellent examples are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Yunhai switches. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound, making it an ideal option for users looking to enhance the acoustic qualities of their typing while experiencing a superior tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, a linear switch, features an exceptionally light actuation force and delivers a smooth, gentle feel combined with a deep, rounded sound profile, perfect for those who prioritize a more effortless typing experience. Both switches cater to different styles – the Magnetic Jade for a dynamic sound and tactile feedback, and the Yunhai for effortless smoothness and softness in keystrokes. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and TTC Yunhai switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct aural qualities in their performance. The Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity when typing. In contrast, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, revered for its softer characteristics that absorb sound, thereby producing a deeper, fuller tone with a more rounded sound profile. This fundamental difference in material composition affects not only the sound produced while typing but also the aesthetic appeal, particularly for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting; polycarbonate's translucence offers a significant advantage here, providing a luminous backdrop for keyboard illumination.
In regard to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the TTC Yunhai utilize nylon, establishing a consistent auditory experience relative to the switches' bottom-out sounds. Both switches exhibit the same qualities from the nylon material, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its acoustic properties. In this case, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in delivering a satisfying feel and sound upon keypress, reinforcing the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of switches with nylon materials. Therefore, while the top housings contrast significantly, the bottom housings harmonize to provide a similar auditory signature during key engagement.
Ultimately, the differing top housings of the Magnetic Jade and Yunhai create a diverse typing experience, primarily influenced by the sound profile as the keys are released. The sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing of the Magnetic Jade juxtaposes the fuller sounds created by the nylon top housing of the Yunhai. Consequently, while both switches can boast a similar quality from their nylon bottom housings that deliver consistency in sound upon bottoming out, the impact of the top housing is what will lead to different overall experiences when typing. Users looking for a more piercing sound may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those preferring a warmer, more subdued sound might favor the Yunhai.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Yunhai's 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter, easier keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Magnetic Jade has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams versus the Yunhai's 50 grams, suggesting that while the Jade may feel lighter during normal use, it provides a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, the Magnetic Jade switch can be considered the lighter option for actuation force, whereas the TTC Yunhai is lighter in terms of bottom out force. This variation means that users seeking a balance between a light actuation and a stronger bottom out will find the Magnetic Jade appealing, while those preferring a consistently lighter experience overall may lean toward the Yunhai switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see a slight difference that can influence user preference. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times—often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the slightly longer travel distance of the Yunhai may provide a more substantial feel, which is preferable for users who enjoy a deeper keypress. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade would be the ideal choice, whereas the Yunhai caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is renowned for its bright and clacky sound, characterized by an acoustic profile that enhances the overall typing experience, particularly appealing for those who enjoy an audible feedback when typing. This distinct sound sets it apart in a mechanical keyboard environment, offering a lively auditory feedback suitable for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch presents a deep and rounded sound profile, which tends to create a more subdued auditory experience. This unique sound quality makes the Yunhai ideal for users who prefer a less intrusive and more pleasant auditory backdrop while typing, providing a calm and consistent feedback that suits various typing styles.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch excels with its responsive actuation, delivering a tactile experience that many typists consider superior. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer a satisfying and engaging typing feel, making each keystroke pleasurable and energizing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is praised for its incredibly light actuation force, resulting in an effortless typing experience. This feature allows for swift typing with minimal resistance, ideal for users who favor smooth transitions between key presses, ultimately making it highly suitable for rapid typists.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and TTC Yunhai switches contribute unique qualities to the typing experience, they cater to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade is favored for its bright, engaging sound and satisfying tactile feel, while the Yunhai is appreciated for its deeper sound profile and light, effortless actuation. Depending on your typing style and personal preference for auditory and tactile feedback, either switch could serve you well, with the opportunity to achieve enjoyable results regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound coupled with a slightly stiffer feel and a medium-light bottom out force, then the Magnetic Jade is the ideal choice for you. Its distinctive acoustic profile and superior typing experience are particularly suited for users looking to enhance their keyboard's performance, especially in gaming or for tactile feedback during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler, more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai switch may be more to your liking. With its light bottom out force of just 50 grams and a deep, rounded sound, it caters to typists who prioritize a soft touch and quiet operation. In the end, consider your sound and feel preferences along with how you plan to use your keyboard—whether it’s for casual typing, work, or intense gaming—to make the best choice.
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