Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, one may find themselves torn between the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch. The Box White stands out for its loud and satisfying click with every keypress, offering a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile feedback with a medium-heavy weight, providing a smooth and comfortable keystroke. While the Box White leans towards a more resounding and high-pitched sound, the Jupiter Brown focuses on a softer and gentler typing experience. Both switches boast high-quality materials and craftsmanship, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.76 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings also leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. While both switches share this similar top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. The Jupiter Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.

Despite having similar top housing materials, the Kailh Box White and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches each offer a unique typing experience based on their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the different switch designs may impact the overall feel. The qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. As a result, users can expect a slightly different tactile experience when using the Box White compared to the Jupiter Brown, even though they both utilize the same polycarbonate top housing.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, their differing bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon's ability to absorb more sound contributing to a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique tactile experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. Whether choosing the Box White or Jupiter Brown, users can expect a distinct sound and feel when typing, making each switch suitable for different preferences and typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Box White is lighter in both aspects. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box White for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Jupiter Brown for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we find that the Box White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box White, while those who prefer a deeper keypress may opt for the Jupiter Brown. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the slight variation in travel distance caters to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy characteristics, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch's sound profile is not specified, but given its tactile nature, it may produce a quieter and more subtle sound compared to the clicky Box White switch. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Box White focusing on a crisp and sharp auditory feedback, while the Jupiter Brown likely providing a smoother and quieter typing sound.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown switch is mentioned to have a stepped tactile feel, indicating a more subtle tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Both switches are designed to offer comfortable typing experiences, with the Box White focusing on a polished and refined feel, while the Jupiter Brown provides a gentle and approachable tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White switch excels in providing a resonant and high-pitched sound with a crunchy feel, ideal for those seeking maximum audio feedback and a pronounced tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a quieter and smoother sound profile, coupled with a mild and polished feel that caters to a more subtle tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preferences for sound and feel, with both options guaranteeing a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy maximum audio feedback and a crisp, high-pitched sound profile with a medium bottom out force, the Box White is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a mild, polished typing experience, then the Jupiter Brown may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more