Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Glory Red is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and lighter actuation force, making it an ideal choice for gamers and those who prefer quick, uninterrupted keystrokes. Its pleasing travel distance ensures a satisfying feel, perfect for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a tactile feedback experience, catering to individuals who enjoy the classic tactile bump during each keystroke. Positioned with a medium-heavy weight, they combine tradition with modern innovation, providing reliability and a more engaged typing experience. Both switches come with their unique advantages: the Glory Red emphasizes speed and fluidity, while the Jupiter Brown excels in tactile feedback and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches exhibit notable distinctions in their top housing materials, which directly influence their acoustic profiles. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucent quality of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal that nylon cannot provide. Consequently, while both switches produce quality sounds, they cater to different auditory preferences, with the Glory Red being more suited for a mellow typing experience and the Jupiter Brown appealing to those who favor a clearer, more resonant auditory feedback.

Conversely, both the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Jupiter Brown share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This similarity leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile during operation, as nylon's inherent qualities dominate the sound when the keys bottom out. The uniformity of the bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and overall sound during the final actuation, underscoring the familiarity of both switches in terms of feel. Thus, despite their differing top housings that influence the auditory experience when releasing keys, users will find that the common nylon bottom housing binds them in terms of overall feel and sound upon key engagement.

Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials shapes the unique sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Red and Gateron Jupiter Brown. The Glory Red's nylon top creates a softer auditory output, ideal for those who prefer a muted sound environment. In comparison, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top engages a more pronounced and crisp sound, perfect for users who enjoy brighter auditory feedback and distinct key presses. Nevertheless, because both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, they retain a depth to their sound when bottoming out, offering users a satisfying tactile experience no matter the upper housing choice. This synthesis of materials encourages enthusiasts to explore which sound profile aligns better with their typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation force. The Glory Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions as it requires less effort to activate each key. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which can provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer response while typing. However, the Gateron Glory Red does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the Jupiter Brown's bottom out force is 70 grams, which is characterized as medium-heavy. This indicates that the Glory Red remains undefined in its bottoming out characteristics, making it challenging to fully assess its overall weight effect. Ultimately, those who favor lighter switches may lean towards the Glory Red for extended use, while those preferring a stronger touch should opt for the Jupiter Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is noted that the Glory Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Jupiter Brown offers a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press, whereas the Glory Red caters more to users looking for quicker response times, making it suitable for gaming and fast-paced typing. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience with a tactile feedback would likely prefer the Jupiter Brown for its greater depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch generally produces a smoother and quieter keypress experience compared to more tactile switches. Its sound profile is relatively subdued, often praised for its ability to blend well in quiet environments, making it ideal for users who prefer a less obtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch presents a distinctive sound signature, characteristic of tactile switches when engaging the bump, delivering a satisfying click that can be more pronounced depending on the board and keycaps used. This acoustic feedback can be more enjoyable for those seeking to feel their keystrokes while typing, but it could also be perceived as louder in a shared workspace.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth and consistent keystroke throughout the entire travel of the key, making it a great choice for those who favor a fluid typing experience. The light actuation force allows for fast and effortless keystrokes, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown presents a more traditional tactile experience. It features mild tactile feedback, which makes it approachable for users who are transitioning from membrane switches or are using mechanical keyboards for the first time. The polished nature of the Jupiter Brown enhances its usability, allowing for smooth key travel while the stepped profile provides a distinctive sensation as you press the key, giving a more refined and nuanced typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and Jupiter Brown switches cater to different preferences in typing style and experience. The Glory Red excels with its smooth and consistent linear performance, suited for fast-paced tasks, while the Jupiter Brown offers a more tactile feedback that many users may find satisfying, thanks to its mild touch and polished feel. If you’re seeking a quieter and smoother keystroke, the Glory Red is a solid choice. However, if you enjoy the tactile bumps and acoustic feedback common in traditional mechanical switches, the Jupiter Brown will likely be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, with the choice depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a blend of both.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you're someone who values a smooth and light typing experience, especially for rapid keystrokes in gaming or coding, the Glory Red is an excellent option. Its lack of resistance allows for fast, effortless keystrokes, making it appealing for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of feedback while typing and prefer a more traditional feel, the Jupiter Brown might be the better fit. With its medium-heavy actuation force and mild tactile response, it offers a satisfying sensation that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort during extended use. The subtle yet noticeable bump in the Jupiter Brown switch allows you to easily register key presses without bottoming out too harshly, making it ideal for typing-heavy tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and needs—whether you lean towards the speediness of linear switches or the tactile richness of a well-balanced switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more