Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Brown stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Box Jade is favored for its clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, providing a medium-heavy typing experience that enthusiasts appreciate for its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile experience with a single-stage spring for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. Both switches have high-precision molds and deliver reliable performance, but each has its own distinct qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are both made with polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that enhances the resonance of the switches. Both switches also offer a clear housing for better RGB lighting effects. However, the Box Jade's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, giving a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade provides a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deep and full sound profile. The split housing materials in each switch affect the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their combination of housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for a sharp and clear sound, with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility. The differences in their nylon bottom housing materials contribute to a slightly varied sound profile, with the Box Jade offering a duller sound and the Jupiter Brown providing a deep and full sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with a deeper bottom-out feel or a sharper sound with a fuller typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the Jupiter Brown needs 70 grams, making the Box Jade the lighter option overall. The Box Jade provides a medium actuation force and a medium bottom out force, while the Jupiter Brown offers a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Box Jade may be more suitable for those looking for a lighter touch, while the Jupiter Brown is better suited for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. The Box Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, providing sharp and crisp clicks that are reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch's sound profile is not explicitly stated, leaving it open to interpretation based on individual typing habits and keyboard setup. However, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as keycap material and keyboard construction.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized by an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a balanced medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying amount of feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a mild, polished feel with a smooth and refined finish that ensures a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the stepped nature of these switches provides a more gradual tactile feedback compared to the more pronounced bump of other tactile switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade switch is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched clicky sound and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch caters to individuals looking for a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight, with a mild and polished typing experience. Despite the differences in sound and feel, both switches offer reliable performance and high-precision molds, ensuring a quality typing experience regardless of the choice made. Ultimately, selecting between the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more traditional tactile switch with a medium-heavy weight and a smoother typing experience, the Jupiter Brown switches may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enjoy the satisfying typing experience it provides.
Mentioned in this article
