HMX Canglan V2 vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two intriguing options are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both of which fall into the linear category. The Canglan V2 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile combined with a smooth and light touch, offering a unique typing experience that enthusiasts have come to love. Its advanced materials and molding techniques not only enhance durability but also contribute to a distinct acoustic signature, making it a standout option for users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches are designed for those who prioritize a seamless and consistent keystroke. With medium-heavy actuation and polished, silky characteristics, they deliver a satisfying typing experience that feels both effortless and responsive. While the Canglan V2 excels in providing a deeper sound and a lighter feel, the Jupiter Red impresses with its smooth action and consistent feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Jupiter Red, a distinct difference emerges in their top housings. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Jupiter Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that offers a crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to a more pronounced clarity in sound. This signifies that while both switches can produce satisfying auditory responses, the Canglan V2's nylon top caters to those preferring a warmer sound, while the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top appeals to users who enjoy a sharper, more vibrant auditory feedback.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, which means they share similar auditory characteristics in that regard. This shared material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch bottoms out, as both switches leverage nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Given that the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the feel and sound upon bottoming out, users will discover that the tactile experience between the two switches is consistent at this point. It provides a familiar feel, maintaining the cushioned experience that nylon is known to deliver, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials informs the overall performance of each switch. While the Canglan V2 tends to embrace a duller sound profile due to its nylon top, blending seamlessly with its nylon bottom, the Jupiter Red's resonance is notably impacted by its polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housings creates a bridge between the two models, allowing users to experience rich auditory depth during key presses even with contrasting top housing materials. This blend demonstrates how housing materials work in concert to shape the overall sound and feel of the switch, offering enthusiasts varied options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 48 grams. In contrast, the Jupiter Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a considerably higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Canglan V2 is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Conversely, the Jupiter Red, with its heavier forces, caters to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. Overall, while the Canglan V2 offers a lighter and more responsive experience, the Jupiter Red provides a firmer feel for those who favor a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red will provide a more traditional and deeper key press, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Canglan V2's shorter travel distance can offer quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness over depth. Thus, while the Jupiter Red is longer, providing a more pronounced feel, the Canglan V2 is the shorter option, catering to those who may find a shallower travel distance more comfortable or effective for fast-paced situations.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The Gateron Jupiter Red 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch stands out with a satisfyingly deep sound profile, often described as "thocky," which provides a rich auditory feedback that many enthusiasts adore. This sound quality can contribute to a more immersive typing experience, adding to both the pleasure and performance during long sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. This moderate sound characteristic makes the Jupiter Red versatile, suitable for various environments, from quiet home offices to bustling workplaces, allowing users to type without drawing too much attention.
In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 is known for its smooth and light typing experience, designed for those who appreciate an effortless key travel that still delivers a pronounced tactile satisfaction. This is enhanced by meticulous crafting and molding techniques that contribute to its overall refined feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience that is exceedingly smooth and consistent. The single-stage spring design complements this feel, ensuring that each keystroke is seamless and requires moderate effort. This makes the Jupiter Red appealing for users who favor a balanced typing experience that feels both fluid and controlled.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron Jupiter Red switches provide unique yet satisfying experiences for different preferences. The Canglan V2 delivers a deep, thocky sound with a smooth, light touch, while the Jupiter Red offers a neutral sound and a polished, creamy feel that can suit a range of typing scenarios. Ultimately, both switches can cater to users desiring deep sound profiles and a smooth typing feel but achieve these qualities through distinct characteristics. Selecting between them will largely depend on whether you prefer a richer audio feedback or a more understated sound with seamless performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch with a unique thocky sound that adds character to your typing experience, then the Canglan V2 is likely the better option for you. Its soft actuation force of 48 grams makes it ideal for those who appreciate a smooth, almost effortless keystroke while enjoying the deep acoustic feedback that creates a satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Jupiter Red would be your best bet. Known for its polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, this switch is perfect for those who seek a balanced and consistent keystroke without sacrificing responsiveness. The Jupiter Red’s neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both work and play, appealing to a broader range of users, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced typist. Therefore, consider what kind of feedback, sound, and feel you value most in a switch to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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