Gateron Melodic vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh Sage mechanical keyboard switches, you have two intriguing options to consider. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage provides a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. Both switches are categorized as invigorating and crunchy, but each has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Kailh Sage switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both the Melodic and Sage benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings.
On the other hand, the Melodic and Sage switches differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Melodic utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a somewhat duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sage also features a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a similar typing experience with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the top housing may affect the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.
Overall, both the Gateron Melodic and Kailh Sage switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper and clearer sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, providing a different typing experience for users. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that the Melodic is the lighter of the two with a bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Sage's 70 grams, making it medium in comparison to the Sage's medium-heavy rating. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, making them equal in this aspect. The actuation force is the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the amount of pressure required to fully press the key down. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Melodic for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier push feel of the Sage for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Melodic offers a slightly deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Sage provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer quality clicky feedback, so users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and audible sound.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Melodic and Kailh Sage clicky switches offer a crunchy and satisfying typing experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. The Melodic switch provides a resonant and clean sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a higher-pitched auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a refreshingly sharp clickiness that adds a level of intensity to each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, both the Melodic and Sage switches offer an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The Melodic switch provides a buttery and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Meanwhile, the Sage switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump that delivers a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. Whether you prefer a smoother and uniform typing sensation or a more reactive and intense tactile feedback, both switches cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron Melodic and Kailh Sage clicky switches provide unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Melodic offers a resonant sound profile and buttery typing experience, the Sage delivers a sharp clickiness and sharp tactile bump. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to customize your mechanical keyboard to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and innovation in the clicky switch category, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating tactile feel, the Gateron Melodic switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a crunchy sound profile with an invigorating or sharp tactile feel, then the Kailh Sage switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
Mentioned in this article
