Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two standout options are the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Jupiter Brown. The Acacia, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which ensures an exceptionally smooth typing experience right out of the box. With minimal stem wobble, this switch appeals to those who prefer a straightforward and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a tactile experience, blending tradition with innovation through its single-stage spring design. This medium-heavy switch features a classic keystroke feel and is designed with high-precision molds that enhance both performance and aesthetics—ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, making the Acacia ideal for those seeking a fluid and linear feel, while the Jupiter Brown is perfect for typists who enjoy the satisfying bump of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.39 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches exhibit striking similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches harness the attributes of polycarbonate to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed not only to the physical properties of polycarbonate, which is a relatively stiffer plastic, but also to its translucent quality, which enhances RGB lighting effects. As such, users seeking an aesthetically pleasing switch with vibrant lighting will find both the Acacia and the Jupiter Brown beneficial in achieving vibrant illumination and a resonant sound.

In terms of their bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a material recognized for its capacity to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a sound quality that is rounder and less pronounced than that of polycarbonate. This complementarity between the hard top housing and the soft bottom housing means that the Acacia and the Jupiter Brown will each maintain a balanced auditory experience. Users can expect a continuum of sound characteristics when utilizing either switch, combining the clarity of the polycarbonate top with the depth of the nylon base.

While the material choices for the top and bottom housings offer distinct sound qualities, they ultimately work together to create a cohesive acoustic profile. By featuring matching materials in their respective housings, both switches enable a synergistic interplay of sound characteristics. When a user actuates either switch, the effects of the nylon bottom housing contribute significantly to the typing experience, producing a gratifying bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top housing accentuates the signature release sound. Consequently, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Jupiter Brown provide users with a rich and dynamic typing experience, highlighting their similarities through the common use of these well-considered materials.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct typing preferences. The Acacia switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience ideal for long periods of use. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who favor a more tactile and resistant typing experience. Overall, the Acacia is designed for comfort during extended sessions, while the Jupiter Brown offers more feedback and resistance, making it better for users who appreciate a heavier touch. This clear differentiation suggests that a choice between the two would come down to personal preference regarding weight and feedback in typing.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction means that the Jupiter Brown switch will provide a deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Acacia's shorter travel distance caters to users seeking snappier responsiveness, which can be particularly appealing for gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a switch that offers more of a tactile feedback with increased travel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown would be the ideal choice; alternatively, for a more responsive feel, the Huano Acacia would serve you well. Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is the longer option at 4 mm, while the Huano Acacia is the shorter option at 3.5 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch delivers a relatively quiet typing experience, which is typical for linear switches. This subtlety is largely appreciated in office settings or shared environments, where a clack or a thock might disturb others. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch produces a distinguished but not overly loud sound profile. While still maintaining some level of audible click typical of tactile switches, it offers a milder sound that doesn't create a disruptive typing environment. Both switches can produce a pleasant aural experience, but the Acacia leans towards quieter operations, while the Jupiter Brown provides a soft tactile feedback that gives a little more character to each keystroke.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch is designed for an exceptional experience right out of the box. With its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, it ensures smooth key presses with minimal stem wobble. This results in a cohesive feel as each key is engaged, making it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional typing experience, characterized by its medium-heavy weight and mild tactile feedback. The Jupiter Brown’s stepped design provides a clear but gentle tactile bump with each keystroke, which gives the user a reassuring indication without being harsh or jarring. The polished finish allows for decreased friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a refined typing experience.

Overall, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches cater to different preferences while still providing a satisfying typing experience. The Acacia is perfect for those who prefer a quieter and smoother linear feel, ideal for undistracted environments. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Brown serves those who enjoy tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, striking a balance that appeals to everyday users. Both switches have their unique attributes, and choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one favors linear smoothness or gentle tactile engagement.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and light typing experience with minimal resistance, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its medium-light weight and factory lubrication provide a fantastic feel right out of the box, making it especially suitable for those who type frequently or prefer rapid keystrokes without the tactile bump. The quiet nature of the Acacia further enhances its appeal in noise-sensitive environments or when you're looking for a more fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile response and enjoy the satisfaction of feeling a pronounced bump during your keystrokes, the Jupiter Brown is likely the better option for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force, this switch offers a classic keystroke feeling that may appeal to traditional typists or gamers who rely on tactile feedback for precision. The mild and polished feel of this switch, coupled with its stepped design, provides a unique blend of responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for varied typing tasks. Thus, consider what aspects are most important to you: speed and smoothness with the Acacia or tactile satisfaction and a bit of resistance with the Jupiter Brown.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more