HMX EVA vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of linear versus tactile switches. The HMX EVA, a linear switch renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, is inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01 and is celebrated for its resonant sound signature that provides satisfying auditory feedback. It appeals to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a fluid keystroke without any tactile bumps, allowing for rapid key presses and a seamless experience. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, featuring a medium-heavy single-stage spring that provides a classic keystroke feel. The Jupiter Browns not only deliver a satisfying tactile bump at the actuation point, enhancing typing accuracy and feedback but also incorporate high-precision molds and attractive backlighting effects, making them popular among those who enjoy both performance and aesthetics. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, making the choice between them significant. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX EVA Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The EVA features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's relatively softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound vibrations rather than reflecting them, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer structure of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, which can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. Aesthetic considerations also play a role; polycarbonate's translucency allows for effective RGB lighting displays, enhancing the visual aspect of the keyboard.

While the top housings of the EVA and Jupiter Brown contrast significantly, their bottom housings tell a different story. Both the EVA and Jupiter Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience when it comes to bottoming out. The shared material means that both switches maintain a deeper, fuller sound when pressed down, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This consistency in the bottom housing helps create a cohesive feel between the two switch types and ensures that the overall typing experience remains pleasant, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.

In essence, the overall performance of these switches can be understood as a marriage of their distinct and similar properties, with the split in housing materials affecting the tactile and auditory feedback in unique ways. With the EVA's nylon top contributing to a softer, rounder sound and the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top yielding a brighter, crisper tone, users can expect contrasting acoustic experiences despite the crossover in bottom housing materials. Ultimately, the characteristics of each switch come together to create distinct typing experiences, appealing to various user preferences while still offering overlap in sonic quality from the shared nylon base.

Weight

When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, significant differences in weight and feel come into play. The EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as during extended work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback while typing. Consequently, individuals who prioritize ease of typing over a pronounced push feel might gravitate towards the EVA, while those seeking a firmer response might opt for the Jupiter Brown. Overall, the EVA delivers a lighter touch compared to the heavier feel of the Jupiter Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the EVA switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Brown offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that users preferring a more responsive experience may favor the EVA switch, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which is particularly advantageous for gamers who prioritize rapid response times. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel while typing may lean towards the Jupiter Brown, with its longer travel distance providing a greater sense of depth in each keystroke. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages based on travel distance preferences, the EVA stands out for a more immediate response, whereas the Jupiter Brown caters to those looking for a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX EVA switch is known for its resonant sound signature, which likely contributes to a unique auditory experience while typing. Its design may provide a subtly rich sound profile, enhancing the overall feedback when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch's sound characteristics are not explicitly described, suggesting that its auditory feedback may range from unremarkable to simple, providing a more traditional sound that aligns with its tactile design. However, it's essential to note that sound quality in both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning you could potentially achieve similar auditory experiences with either switch depending on your setup.

When assessing the feel, the HMX EVA offers a notably silky smooth typing experience, characterized by a fluid key travel that could be highly enjoyable for long typing sessions. Comparatively, the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a mild and polished feel with a stepped tactile response, which provides a more nuanced typing experience. The medium-heavy weight of the Jupiter Brown switch offers a classic keystroke feel that combines stability with a gentle tactile bump, appealing to those who appreciate a balanced typing experience. The stepped nature of this switch means you'll feel two distinct phases during keystroke travel, which might cater to users who prefer some tactile feedback without it being too pronounced.

In conclusion, while the HMX EVA linear switch excels in providing a resonant sound and a smooth typing feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch delivers a mild, polished touch complemented by a classic keystroke experience. If you're seeking a more traditional and tactile typing sensation, the Jupiter Brown might be your ideal choice, while the EVA could appeal more to those who prefer a smooth and resonant typing experience. Your ultimate decision will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but both switches can offer rewarding experiences based on how you configure your keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the specific typing experience you're after. The HMX EVA is an excellent choice if you prefer a lighter, smoother feel with a resonant sound signature, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where swift key presses are essential. Its 48-gram actuation force means less resistance, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes, which can enhance your overall typing speed and reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more traditional and tactile feedback with a pronounced resistance, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is likely your switch of choice. With its medium-heavy 70-gram bottom-out force and mild tactile bump, it offers a polished and stepped experience that gives you a satisfying "click" without being overly harsh. This type of switch is ideal for typing accurately on longer documents, where the tactile feedback can help guide your fingers without causing strain. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards the smoothness and speed of linear switches or the tactile engagement offered by a more traditional switch design.

Mentioned in this article

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more