A lot of Hall Effect switches address when a key triggers.
What the Magnetic Jade · Attraction HE Switch Set seeks to address is something different: what the key feels like during the rest of the stroke.
As the key drops, the normal coil spring is compressed and requires greater force to compress. The changing mechanical resistance still felt by the finger even if the actuation point is set very shallow.
The Magnetic Jade · Attraction HE Switch Set is designed with a 30gf initial force and a 30gf bottom-out force and a total travel of 3.2mm, according to Gateron.
This is why I'm discussing this switch separately, because it is almost level.
Just because the actuation of a key is adjustable, does not mean that it is a light key press.
Hall Effect sensing and physical key feel are two different things.
The point at which motion is converted into an electrical input is determined by the Hall sensor. The feeling of the finger in the reaching position is dependent on the spring and the switch structure.
This distinction is important as the software actuation point for a keyboard may be very shallow; yet, the physical key may feel significantly heavier at a more advanced stage in the keystroke.
At the heart of the Attraction structure, according to Gateron's technical explanation of the Jade · Attraction HE design, lies this changing spring resistance, which the Attraction structure is meant to overcome.
So Attraction is not just another method to make the trigger earlier.
It is an effort to standardise the whole physical press.
Three Magnets Are More than Just Position Sensing!
The difference in structure is primarily where the bottom of the switch is.
Gateron dubs it the ‘Three Phase Magnetic Ring'. The bottom structure is also permanently magnetized with 3 small magnets in a symmetrical configuration with a vertical and horizontal magnetization.
They are not just to supply the principal Hall Effect trigger magnet.
Instead, the extra magnetic force is meant to cancel out a portion of the elastic force that is created when the spring is compressed. What Gateron calls "magnetic compensation across the stroke" is equivalent to what others refer to as contactless travel.
It is similar to two opposing force trends:
As the spring is compressed further and further, it becomes harder to compress;
Compensating force is provided by the magnetic arrangement.
The goal is a much better overall "force" feel.
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Keystroke Stage
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Conventional Spring Tendency
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Attraction Design Goal
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Beginning
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Relatively light
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Keep input light
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Mid-Stroke
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Spring resistance increases
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Magnetic force offsets part of increase
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Near Bottom
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Highest spring compression
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Maintain similar overall force
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Bottom-Out
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Often noticeably firmer
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Target 30±3gf total feel
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Understanding the Force Profile of a 30gf Magnetic Switch
Low initial-force specification doesn't necessarily signify a light switch.
With significant resistance changes along the way, the first millimeter and last millimeter may be different ‘switches'.
Attraction's official specification from Gateron is 30±3gf for both initial force and bottom-out force.He product therefore is of special interest to：
- Repeat FPS (move) inputs;
- Rapid rhythm-game presses;
- Long coding sessions;
- Bottom-heavy people who do not like heavier typists;
- Users that would typically steer clear of magnetic switches due to their force progression.
There is a compromise.
This design may seem somewhat lighter than most to those who enjoy a spring that starts to stiffen as they approach the bottom. That resistance is constant – it is a characteristic – it is not always an upgrade.
Dual-Drive Separates the Keypress From the Trigger Magnet.
Only a part of the construction is the force system.
The Attraction HE Switch is based on Gateron's Dual-Drive modular design, with the upper part being the physical keypress and the lower part being a magnetic switch. The parts are joined in a snap-fit configuration.
It is designed to provide a more vertical movement when the keycap is pushed away from the center of the stem, by maintaining a cylindrical shape of it.
It is important especially on the larger keys or when playing games, because you don't always get your fingers in the middle of each cap.
Do not think that "less lateral movement" is a gain in the speed of the Hall sensor alone. What it does is to make the physical path of the travel more controlled, which is helpful when continuously interpreting the magnet position with the sensor.
Attraction is still an adjustable Hall Effect Switch.
The HE force curve is an unusual one and not meant to replace normal HE functionality.
According to Gateron, pre-travel is controllable via its driver software, which is compatible with the Hall Effect keyboard.
The switch is specified at:
150±8GS initial magnetic flux;
The bottom-out magnetic flux is 570±30GS;
Both values are measured with respect to a 1.2mm PCB.
Those numbers are reminders that still, the physical switch and electronics of the HE are a single system.
Always check before replacing another magnetic switch, not all HE switches are compatible. Gateron's magnetic Switches product family includes a variety of architectures and magnetic / mechanical properties.
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Specification
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Official Value
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Typing Feel
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Linear
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Initial Force
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30±3gf
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Bottom-Out Force
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30±3gf
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Total Travel
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3.2±0.2mm
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Pre-Travel
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Freely Setting
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Spring
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18mm Customized Spring
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Initial Magnetic Flux
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150±8GS (PCB1.2mm)
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Bottom-Out Magnetic Flux
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570±30GS (PCB1.2mm)
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Factory Pre-Lubed
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Yes
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Character, NOT Just Actuation Specs
This is where Attraction differs from another product, for example, the Magnetic Jade Pro HE.
Also a linear HE switch, Jade Pro is a free pre-travel switch that, according to Gateron, has a Initial force of 36±5gf and a total travel of 3.5±0.1mm.
The important comparison is thus not:
“What about the one that has adjustable actuation?”
They are both part of an adjustable HE system.
A more apt comparison is:
What physical force profile do I wish to be under that software control?
There's a lot of specialization in the attraction, to maintain light resistance during the press.
It's Not Designed to Be a Silent Switch
A light switch and a quiet switch are also different.
The Attraction features an Acoustic Dual Back-Cover Design with a magnet chamber designed to provide the switch with a more complete mechanical sound that isn't dampened by a dedicated silent switch. It's also pre-lubed with internal lubrication channels designed to minimize friction noises.
This makes this acoustic goal quite different from Magnetic Jade Silent.
Attraction is attempting to give a very light physical stroke while at the same time creating a controlled mechanical sound profile, not eliminating the sound.
Before Filling a Board, Complete a Test with Light Force.
Thirty grams across the stroke is not commonplace and can't be determined by specifications alone.
Press a push switch several times instead of just once.
Type several paragraphs. Hold movement keys. Switch back and forth between Alternate A and Alternate D. Apply pressure to sides and center of keycap.
For those still testing out various magnetic feels, Gateron's Magnetic HE Switches Tester is created to help physically compare samples of HE switches prior to purchasing a full keyboard.
Final trigger behaviour needs to be tested and calibrated on an actual Hall Effect PCB.
Final Selection Check
If the physical force curve is as important as the software setting then the Magnetic Jade · Attraction HE Switch Set is the most sensible.
Select it for the reason that you desire:
An extremely low pressure linear press;
no or little resistance to bottom out;
Adjustable Hall Effect actuation;
stable travel in a cylinder;
as opposed to the damping silence.
The concept behind it is simple:
When the key responds it's using a Hall Effect. The Three-Phase Magnetic Ring alters the entire experience to that point.
FAQ
Q1. The Magnetic Jade · Attraction HE Switch Set is special in what ways?
Gateron indicates both the initial force and the bottom-out force as 30±3gf.. The compressed spring is counteracted by a 3-magnet compensation structure to reduce resistance as the spring is compressed.
Q2. Is the Magnetic Jade Attraction linear switch?
Yes. It is a linear magnetic HE switch with a total travel of 3.2±0.2mm, according to Gateron.
Q3. Is it possible to shift its actuating point?
Yes. According to the official specification, pre-travel is freely adjustable via an appropriate keyboard driver.
Q4. Is the Magnetic Jade Attraction a “silent switch”?
No. It features a fuller mechanical voice profile, but not specific silent damping.
Q5. Is the switch factory pre-lubed?
Yes. Gateron pre-lubricates it at the factory and also has channels for integrated lubrication to reduce the sound of internal friction.
