Gateron CM vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM, a linear switch, to the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The CM switches are known for their full nylon housing, providing a deeper sound signature and a smooth typing experience with a bouncy feel due to their lengthened, dual-staged spring. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight with a single-stage spring design. Both switches have high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, but the CM switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', while the Jupiter Brown switch is categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', 'Stepped'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on 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
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
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches differ significantly, particularly in the top housing material used. The CM switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This difference in top housing material significantly impacts the overall sound produced by each switch, providing users with distinct auditory experiences.
On the other hand, despite the difference in top housing material, both the Gateron CM and Jupiter Brown switches share a common nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, while the top housing material may vary between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similar sound and feel when typing on the switches. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience may not vary significantly between the two switches in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron CM and Jupiter Brown plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall user experience. The contrasting characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing material of these switches result in distinct sound profiles, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate delivers a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, highlighting the importance of understanding how different housing materials can impact the performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force required. However, the Gateron CM linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. The lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM switch may appeal to users who prefer a smoother typing experience and less finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch may provide a more substantial and tactile typing feel for those who prefer a firmer keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear 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 Jupiter Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the CM. The CM's 3.6 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a favorite among gamers for its quick response time. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a different feel in terms of travel distance, with the CM being shorter and the Jupiter Brown being longer, catering to users with varying preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is not available, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and a luxurious feel with each keystroke. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, providing a gentler typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, possibly featuring a two-stage tactile feedback for a balanced typing sensation.
Taking into consideration all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron CM linear switch offers a unique sound signature with a bouncy typing experience and a rich, deep sound profile, while providing a buttery and frictionless feel for a seamless typing journey. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch combines tradition with innovation, offering a medium-heavy weight and possibly a more classic keystroke feel, with a mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you value a bouncy and smooth typing journey with a rich and deep sound profile, then the CM linear switch with its full nylon housing and dual-staged spring may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and tactile feedback, then the Jupiter Brown tactile switch with its single-stage spring and reliable performance may be the better option. Both switches offer high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, but their distinct characteristics in sound and feel make them suitable for different typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you desire, whether it be buttery and frictionless with the CM linear switch or mild and polished with the Jupiter Brown tactile switch.
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