Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance the acoustic quality of their typing experience, particularly on Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and want a switch that stands out in both performance and sound. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a linear switch, redefines the silent typing experience with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. It promises unparalleled smoothness and stability, along with a soft, elastic feel that effectively absorbs sound and minimizes noise, catering to users who prioritize quiet operation without sacrificing responsiveness. While both switches offer unique benefits—lively acoustics versus whisper-quiet performance—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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches share a similar sound profile in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate for this component. The inherent properties of polycarbonate contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who appreciate clarity in their typing experience. This parallel construction means that both switches will likely produce similar acoustic characteristics when typed on, especially when used in setups that feature RGB lighting, due to the translucency of the polycarbonate material.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches diverges in sound profile due to the materials used. Both switches feature nylon for this essential component, which significantly influences the overall auditory experience. The use of nylon affords a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a more muted and rounded acoustic response compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate. This combination—polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom—will yield a unique layering of sounds when typing, balancing the clarity of the upper housing with the warmth of the lower housing, regardless of their similarities.
Overall, while the top housings of the Magnetic Jade and the Zero Degree 0° are indistinguishable in their material effects, the different sound characteristics from the nylon bottom create a thoughtful interplay between the two materials. This thoughtful combination leads to a nuanced typing experience, where users can appreciate the crisper sounds associated with the polycarbonate top and the fuller tones brought about by the nylon bottom. Consequently, both switches deliver a varied yet complementary auditory experience, showcasing the strengths of their respective materials.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces. The Magnetic Jade requires a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as users can experience less fatigue. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and a stronger push while typing. Regarding their bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade features a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a tangible feedback when the switch is fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is not available, leaving its overall bottoming out experience unknown. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a heavier actuation, catering to contrasting user preferences in terms of typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, and for users who favor quicker response times, the Magnetic Jade may be more appealing as it offers a marginally reduced distance that can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios, particularly for gamers. Conversely, the Zero Degree 0° offers a bit more depth at 3.6 mm, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel without the abruptness that shorter travel distances might present. Overall, while the difference in distance is minimal, it highlights distinct preferences in switch feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches deliver a bright and clacky acoustic profile, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. This sound characteristic contributes to an engaging atmosphere, particularly appealing to enthusiasts looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is engineered for silent operation with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure that minimizes noise. This design choice results in a more subdued sound signature, making the Zero Degree an ideal option for environments where quiet is paramount, allowing for a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are celebrated for their superior typing experience, providing a pronounced tactile feedback that many users find satisfying and refreshing. This tactile response can enhance typing speed and accuracy for those who enjoy a more engaging keypress. Conversely, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch is focused on delivering smoothness and stability through its soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, creating an almost frictionless typing experience. This makes the Zero Degree particularly suitable for users who prefer understated feedback and a fluid keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, both offer distinct advantages. The Magnetic Jade excels in providing a lively acoustic experience and satisfying tactile feedback, making it perfect for those who love a classic mechanical keyboard feel. Meanwhile, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes a stealthy and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who work in quieter settings or simply prefer a more muted sound profile. Your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches represent quality options within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and your desired keyboard experience. If you’re the type of user who appreciates a tactile and auditory feedback, with a lively clacky sound that enhances your engagement with each keystroke, the Magnetic Jade would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light 55-gram actuation force makes it suitable for a variety of typing styles, providing a balanced experience that can be enjoyable for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you favor a serene and understated typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch stands out with its silent operation and smooth, elastic feel that minimizes noise. This switch is particularly ideal for environments where sound might be a distraction, as its innovative self-padding design effectively absorbs sound during key presses. So, consider what atmosphere you want to create and how much feedback you desire from your keys; whether you lean towards the lively and audible feedback of the Magnetic Jade or the quiet, soft cushion of the Zero Degree 0°, each switch offers a unique experience that caters to different user preferences.
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