HMX FJ400 vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX FJ400 and the Gateron Jupiter Brown can significantly impact your typing experience. The FJ400, a linear switch, strikes a harmonious balance with its middle-ground sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a tactile experience that elegantly fuses traditional design with modern enhancements, featuring a medium-heavy single-stage spring that delivers a classic keystroke feel. Its meticulously crafted high-precision molds not only enhance reliable performance but also contribute to appealing backlight effects. While the FJ400 may be ideal for gamers seeking uninterrupted key presses, the Jupiter Brown is suited for typists who appreciate feedback with every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX FJ400 Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX FJ400 and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches each utilize different materials for their top housings, impacting their acoustic profiles and the overall typing experience. The FJ400 features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This characteristic can be attributed to the unique acoustic properties of POM, which lends a pleasant and somewhat soft auditory experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch employs a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate not only contributes to its resonant qualities but also makes it an ideal option for those who desire a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing component. Nylon is revered as a classic choice for switch housings because of its capacity to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity ensures that when pressed down, both the FJ400 and Jupiter Brown will provide a comparable experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon's inherent softness. Consequently, while the top housings may dictate the character of the release sound—differentiating their sound profiles—the bottom housings are aligned in their ability to create that rich and rounded auditory experience.

The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches also highlights the importance of how they balance each other. With the FJ400's POM top housing juxtaposed against its nylon bottom, users can expect a typing experience that balances the muted depths of the POM with the fullness of the nylon. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing enhances the brightness of the typing experience, while its nylon bottom reinforces the fuller sound. As a result, even though the top housing materials create distinctive acoustic profiles, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to achieve a satisfying blend of sound characteristics, appealing to a range of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, classifying it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the FJ400 is the lighter option, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions due to reduced fatigue. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown, with its heavier forces, will provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who prefer a firmer push feel. In summary, if you value lighter switches for long use, the FJ400 would be the better choice, while the Jupiter Brown caters to those who enjoy a heavier and more pronounced typing sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the FJ400 has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jupiter Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the FJ400 provides a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown’s 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, appealing to those who prefer a tactile and substantial typing experience. Therefore, users who prioritize speed may gravitate toward the FJ400 for its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more traditional and tactile feedback may prefer the Jupiter Brown. Overall, the FJ400 is the shorter option, making it suitable for a more responsive experience, while the Jupiter Brown is the longer switch, catering to preferences for depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX FJ400 linear switch is characterized by a balanced and somewhat muted tone, making it a versatile choice that can harmonize well with a variety of keyboard builds and keycap designs. This balanced sound is conducive to a more discreet typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch produces a more pronounced acoustic response, lending itself to an auditory feedback that is richer due to its tactile nature. Nevertheless, both switches will ultimately sound different depending on the construction of the board and the type of keycaps used, meaning that while their sound characteristics differ, both can be tailored to achieve a desirable sound.

When it comes to feel, the FJ400 linear switch offers a smooth and seamless keystroke experience, typical of linear switches which provides an uninterrupted travel without tactile bumps. This allows for rapid and fluid typing, with the smoothness being particularly beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a mild yet polished typing experience, characterized by its stepped tactile feedback. This means users will experience a defined tactile bump at the actuation point, aiding typing precision while still being approachable for a wide range of typists. The stepping nature of the Jupiter Brown ensures a nuanced feedback without overwhelming the user, creating a pleasant balance between tactile feedback and smoothness.

In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the FJ400 provides a quiet and smooth linear experience, the Jupiter Brown emphasizes tactile feedback with a more pronounced sound. Choosing between the two will depend on your preference for sound dynamics and whether you prioritize a linear or tactile typing experience. However, as both can be influenced by external factors like keycap choice and keyboard build, with the right setup, either switch can deliver a satisfactory typing experience tailored to individual needs.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smoother, quieter typing experience and appreciate a balanced sound profile, the FJ400 is an excellent choice, especially for extensive typing sessions where you want a lower actuation force and less tactile feedback. This switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, caters well to those who prefer a more fluid key press without the pronounced bumps of tactile switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more traditional keystroke feel with a clear tactile response, the Jupiter Brown is your go-to. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort for those who prefer more resistance in their key presses. The polished, mild nature of the Jupiter Brown also caters to users looking for a refined typing experience while still providing that essential tactile feedback. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to whether you lean toward a streamlined, smooth experience with the FJ400 or a classic tactile sensation with the Jupiter Brown.

Mentioned in this article

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more