Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the right switches to fit your typing style and preferences. The Huano Grape Orange switch stands out with its lightweight 40g actuation force, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions or prefer rapid key presses without the strain typically associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a tactile response that is both classic and innovative, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring for a satisfying keystroke feel. This switch appeals to users who appreciate feedback during their typing without the loud click of a gaming switch; the Jupiter Browns deliver a polished experience renowned for both performance and aesthetic appeal with softer backlight effects. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct advantages that cater to different types of users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches share a noticeable similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clear resonance, making it well-suited to achieve this vibrant sound quality. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetics and functionality, particularly for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting. The consistent use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches implies that users can expect a similar auditory experience, driven predominantly by the material's inherent characteristics.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches employs nylon, which significantly influences the tactile feedback and sound profile upon actuation. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, generating a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This material choice results in a duller, rounder sound when the switch bottoms out, providing a stark contrast to the crisper notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differing properties and effects of the top and bottom materials, both the Grape Orange and Jupiter Brown switches leverage their nylon bottom housing to create a more satisfying, rounded auditory sensation as the key is pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches leads to a balanced sound profile. While the polycarbonate contributes to a bright and resonant tone during release, the nylon absorbs more sound during actuation, creating a harmonious blend of auditory results. Users can thus appreciate a consistent experience across both switches, benefiting from the combination of crispness and fullness brought about by their respective materials. This thoughtful integration of materials highlights how even switches that employ similar components can produce nuanced and complementary sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, a notable difference is found in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal to users seeking a firmer push. This difference in forces means that while the Grape Orange is designed for effortless keystrokes, the Jupiter Brown provides a more distinct tactile feedback due to its increased resistance. Consequently, users looking for a lighter typing experience should lean towards the Grape Orange, whereas those appreciating a stronger keystroke should opt for the Jupiter Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This means that if responsiveness is your primary concern, the Grape Orange might be the more suitable choice, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and faster response times—an aspect often favored by gamers. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with deeper key presses, the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm travel distance may be more appealing, providing that hearty depth some users appreciate in their typing experience. Overall, the Grape Orange offers a shorter travel distance for those seeking speed, while the Jupiter Brown caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is generally characterized by its quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern. Its design focuses on delivering a subdued acoustic profile that complements its lightweight nature, but specific sound details may vary based on factors like the keyboard casing and keycap choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch produces a more pronounced sound due to its tactile nature, which tends to generate a gentle thock upon activation. This sound signature can satisfy users who appreciate auditory feedback while still maintaining a moderate noise level suitable for shared workspaces.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switches are celebrated for their ultra-light, smooth actuation, which lends to an exceptionally effortless typing experience. With a mere 40g actuation force, they are designed to minimize finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making them ideal for those who type for long periods. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a distinctly different tactile experience characterized by their mild touch and polished finish. The stepped tactile bump provides a gentle resistance that makes it easy to discern the actuation point, offering a classic feel that many users favor. Their medium-heavy weight ensures that typing remains purposeful without being overly strenuous, appealing to those who prefer a bit more feedback with each keystroke.
In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange excels with its lightweight and quiet operation, making it perfect for long typing sessions, while the Jupiter Brown switches provide a classic, tactile feedback experience that is satisfying for users who appreciate a bit more resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, light-touch feel or prefer a more traditional tactile response with moderate sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lighter feel with minimal resistance, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice due to its ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams. This switch enables a smooth and effortless typing experience, perfect for those who prefer quick keystrokes and a less taxing hand feel. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more traditional typing experience that offers tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many users appreciate during typing tasks, while the mild tactile feedback gives a gentle reassurance without being overbearing. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown’s polished feel and stepped action lend themselves well to those who enjoy a nuanced typing experience, making it more suitable for tasks requiring precision. Therefore, consider the Grape Orange for speed and comfort during extended use, and opt for the Jupiter Brown if you appreciate tactile feedback and solid key resistance for a robust typist experience.
Mentioned in this article
