HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different switch types based on their personal typing preferences and needs. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is lauded for its incredibly smooth keystrokes and an ultra-light actuation force that makes it a dream for those who favor a swift and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Hibiscus offers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that adds an auditory enjoyment to every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown presents a different appeal; as a tactile switch, it merges a classic keystroke feel with modern sensibilities, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring that provides a more predictive typing experience. Furthermore, the Jupiter Chocolate's high-precision mold construction enhances its aesthetic appeal through softer backlight effects, making it an excellent choice for those who want both performance and visual flair. Both switches cater to distinct typing styles—whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback—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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a notable difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Hibiscus utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer qualities, which allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a harder and stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. This fundamental difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences, with the Hibiscus creating a more muted sound and the Jupiter Brown favoring a brighter tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which means they share similar acoustic qualities. The use of nylon in both the Hibiscus and the Jupiter Brown's bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, as this material's ability to absorb sound is prevalent. Consequently, users can expect a uniform auditory experience regarding the bottoming out of keys, where the nylon's properties play a significant role in shaping the overall typing sound and feel. The consistency of this bottom housing material across the two switches ensures that while their top housings produce contrasting auditory experiences, they converge in their performance at the base level.
Ultimately, the distinct top housing materials lead to a unique sound profile for each switch, while the shared nylon bottom housing results in a unified deeper sound experience when bottoming out. This nuanced combination allows for a rich typing experience that caters to diverse user preferences. Those who appreciate a fuller and rounded sound will gravitate towards the HMX Hibiscus, while those favoring a clearer and sharper auditory feedback will lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Brown. It’s the interplay between the materials in top and bottom housings that creates a multifaceted sensory experience, illustrating how different materials can sculpt the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push while typing. This heavier resistance may be favored by users looking for a more tactile experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort over long durations, the Hibiscus would be the ideal choice, whereas the Jupiter Brown caters to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, the Hibiscus showcases a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jupiter Brown extends to 4 mm. This means that the Hibiscus offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers who favor fast actions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown, with its longer 4 mm travel, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying and in line with a traditional typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Hibiscus may be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more substantial depth would likely lean towards the Jupiter Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 HMX Hibiscus linear switch produces a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is likely to appeal to those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. This lively acoustic profile makes the Hibiscus quite distinct, creating a vibrant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown, on the other hand, offers a more subdued auditory landscape typical of tactile switches. The sound, while distinctly mechanical, leans towards being quieter and less resonant compared to the Hibiscus, contributing to a mannerly typing environment. As a result, the Hibiscus excels in producing a more expressive sound, while the Jupiter Brown is more moderate and traditional.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts crave. The ultra-light actuation force allows for a liberating feeling, making it an excellent choice for people who favor fast, effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a mild yet polished mechanical experience that balances tactile feedback with smooth operation. The stepped nature of its tactile bump provides a gentle indication of actuation without being too jarring, making it approachable for a wider audience. While the Hibiscus prioritizes smoothness and lightness, the Jupiter Brown caters to those who appreciate tactile sensations alongside a more traditional feel.
Ultimately, both switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is ideal for those seeking a lively and smooth typing experience with a pronounced sound signature, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a classic tactile feel with a more subdued auditory response. If you're someone who enjoys a truly refined typing experience, the Hibiscus may be your top choice, whereas if you prefer a switch that is milder and offers a balance of tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown could be a better fit. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise quality performance and can lead to a satisfying typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the tasks at hand. If you find yourself favoring a light and smooth typing experience, particularly for rapid typing or gaming, the Hibiscus switch may be your best choice. Its ultra-light actuation and satisfying clacky sound make it a pleasure for fast-paced activities, offering a smoothly refined keystroke with little resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional feel and a tactile response while typing, the Jupiter Brown would be more suitable. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and mild stepped tactile feedback, it provides a reassuring "bump" without overwhelming your fingers, making it ideal for those who enjoy a balanced typing experience, especially during prolonged typing sessions. In essence, your choice should reflect your needs: go for the Hibiscus for swift fluidity and sound, or choose the Jupiter Brown for a classic tactile experience with a reliable, polished touch.
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