Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to examine are the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Brown. The Black Lotus is a linear switch with a silky smooth feel and 55g actuation weight, reducing wobble for a precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and enhanced softer backlight effects. Both switches prioritize precision and reliability while providing unique features to enhance your typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall feel and sound profiles. The Black Lotus incorporates a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique tactile feel. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. While both materials offer a distinct typing experience, the Black Lotus may provide a more tactile typing experience due to its unique blend, whereas the Jupiter Brown may excel in producing a crisper sound profile.
The bottom housings of the Black Lotus and Jupiter Brown switches both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to other plastics, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. As a result, both switches may offer a more immersive typing experience with deeper and fuller sound profiles. The incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures that the sound produced is rich and satisfying, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize the typing experience.
In terms of overall performance, the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches play critical roles in shaping the overall typing experience. While the Black Lotus may offer a more tactile feel with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, the Jupiter Brown may excel in producing a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share the benefits of using nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feel and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a similar initial typing experience. However, the Black Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more pronounced typing feedback with the Jupiter Brown switch compared to the Black Lotus. The choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a slightly lighter typing experience with the Black Lotus or a more substantial feel with the Jupiter Brown.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance between the top and bottom. The similarity in their travel distance results in a consistent typing experience, whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Jupiter Brown switch. It is worth noting that the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown switch may give a different typing sensation compared to the smooth linear feel of the Black Lotus, despite their equal travel distances. In conclusion, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a familiar typing experience with subtle differences in tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus linear switch is known for a quiet and smooth typing experience, thanks to its high-precision molds and reduced wobble. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a softer and more classic keystroke sound, blending tradition with innovation. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky and buttery, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. With reduced resistance and a polished finish, these switches offer a unique and pleasurable feel for typing enthusiasts. On the contrary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is characterized as mild and polished, delivering a gentle and refined keystroke feel. These switches offer a more traditional tactile sensation with a medium-heavy weight, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch have their distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both prioritize precision, smoothness, and overall typing pleasure. Whether you opt for the silky smoothness of the Black Lotus or the gentle tactility of the Jupiter Brown, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for linear or tactile feedback, as both options promise reliable performance and aesthetic appeal in any mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation weight and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation weight and a silky smooth typing feel with reduced wobble, then the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and enhanced backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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