Top 5 hall effect switches in 2024
In the ever-evolving world of mechanical keyboards, Hall Effect technology has emerged as a clear frontrunner, surpassing traditional mechanical switches in many aspects. However, even with these technological advances, there's still room for improvement in terms of feel and sound. Today, we'll explore the top five switches that can elevate your Hall Effect keyboard experience to new heights.
Before diving in, it's worth noting that these switches are specifically designed for Wooting keyboards and similar boards. Users of Hall Effect keyboards from manufacturers including (but not limited to) Varmilo, Everglide, or Nuphy will find these switches compatible with their boards as well.
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1. Clacky pick: Wuque Studio WS Dash
Leading our list in the clacky category is the Wuque Studio WS Dash. These switches address one of the most common complaints about stock Lekker switches - that peculiar rattly, scrunchy sound. Thanks to their sealed bottom housing, the WS Dashes deliver a clean, satisfying clack upon bottoming out. They offer a buttery smooth typing experience straight out of the box, with a comfortable 55g bottom-out force. While they're nearly identical to the Gateron Magnetic Jades, save for their distinctive purple stem, they're available exclusively through Milktooth at 75 cents per switch - a slight saving compared to the Jades' typical 80-cent price point.
2. Thocky pick: Everglide Sticky Rice V2
For those seeking a deeper, thockier sound profile, the Everglide Sticky Rice V2s present an compelling option. These switches share the sealed bottom design of the Dashes but take the sound in a different direction. Their dust-proof stem design not only reduces wobble but also incorporates an RGB diffuser that significantly enhances lighting effects. With excellent factory lubrication and a competitive price point at 68 cents per switch from Milktooth, they deliver exceptional value along with their smooth typing experience.
3. Premium pick: TTC Magneto
In the premium category, the TTC Magnetos stand alone at the top. Their claim to fame? The longest springs currently available in any Hall Effect switch. This isn't just a specification sheet boast - these longer springs provide two significant benefits. First, they create a more bouncy and responsive typing experience. Second, they maintain consistent resistance throughout the entire keystroke, ensuring even tension from start to finish. Combined with their dust-proof stem for minimal wobble, these switches feel remarkably rigid and precise. While they typically command a premium price of over a dollar per switch elsewhere, Milktooth offers them at 80 cents each - a 27% discount that makes them more accessible to enthusiasts.
4. Marbly pick: Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro
For those chasing the perfect sound profile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade Pros offer what might be the marbliest sound signature in the current market. Unlike the somewhat scattered sound profile of stock Lekker switches, these Pros deliver a more focused, concentrated sound - imagine the way a magnifying glass concentrates light, but with sound instead. They also excel in RGB performance, producing noticeably brighter illumination than most competitors.
When compared to their standard Jade and Dash cousins, the Pros introduce several key differences. They're slightly heavier at 36g (versus 30g), feature more generous factory lubrication for enhanced smoothness, and produce an even more pronounced marbly sound. While this premium experience comes at a higher price point of 80 cents per switch, many find the upgrade worthwhile for the enhanced smoothness and unique sound profile.
5. Best overall: Everglide Master
However, the most compelling option might be the Everglide Masters, which manage to capture nearly everything that makes the Magnetic Jade Pros special while significantly reducing the cost to 60 cents per switch. Available exclusively through Milktooth, these switches match the Pros in almost every specification - they're just 1g lighter, but otherwise share the same travel distance and material blend. They maintain the generous factory lubrication, resulting in equally smooth operation and that coveted marbly sound signature. While the Pros certainly have their merits, the Masters' more accessible price point makes them hard to beat as an all-around choice.
Conclusion
The Hall Effect switch market continues to evolve rapidly, and many excellent options didn't make this top five list. In a future article, we'll compare and rank every single hall effect switch. For now, these selections represent the current pinnacle of Hall Effect switch technology, offering various paths to upgrade your typing experience based on your preferences for sound, feel, and value.