Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Kailh Berry is known for its linear design, providing a springy and chalk-like texture when typing, with a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Browns offer a tactile feedback with a single-stage spring, combining tradition with innovation for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. Categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', 'Stepped', they also feature high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects. Both switches have their unique advantages, but 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while they share similar characteristics in their top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Berry and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a tactile experience when typing on these switches. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Berry and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches results in a unique typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite these differences, the switches deliver similar results in terms of providing a satisfying sound profile and tactile response to meet the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Berry has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Jupiter Brown may be the more suitable option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Berry switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Jupiter Brown's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their unique travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Overall, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Berry may be the better choice, but if you enjoy a longer travel distance for a more tactile feel, the Jupiter Brown could be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched and bassy profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, so we can assume that it might have a more traditional and moderate sound profile. Both switches are likely to produce pleasant typing noises, but the Berry's low-pitched and bassy tones may provide a more satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy deeper sounds.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized as having a textured feel, which provides noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as offering a mild and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown's stepped tactile design provides a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This combination of mild tactility and polished smoothness may appeal to users who prefer a softer and more refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch provides a springy and chalk-textured typing experience with deep and bassy sound profiles, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a blend of tradition and innovation with a mild, polished feel and single-stage spring design. Depending on personal preferences for sound depth, tactile feedback, and typing texture, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether you choose the Berry or Jupiter Brown switch, you can expect a high level of performance and aesthetic appeal in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy feel with a chalk-like texture and deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, along with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences in typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel when using the keyboard.
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