HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options stand out: the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Jupiter Red. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force and remarkably smooth feel, offering a clacky and crispy sound that elevates the auditory experience of typing. This makes it an enticing choice for users seeking a playful and satisfying tactile response. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red is designed with a medium-heavy actuation that promotes a seamless keystroke, ideal for those who value consistency and a polished typing cadence. With its softer backlighting effects and high-precision molds, it suits users who appreciate aesthetic appeal alongside performance. Both switches offer compelling advantages depending on your typing preferences and style; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Jupiter Red switches showcase distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, with the Hibiscus featuring a nylon top and the Jupiter Red utilizing polycarbonate. Nylon, known for its softer texture, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a more muted auditory experience, which some users may prefer for a more subdued typing environment. On the contrary, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Red creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, leading to clearer and more resonant tones when the switches are engaged. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic advantages, especially in setups that include RGB lighting, accentuating the illumination effects and enhancing the visual experience.
Both the Hibiscus and Jupiter Red switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a common ground between the two models. This similarity in the bottom housing material means that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, owing to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Users can expect a consistent bottom-out feel when pressing each switch, as the nylon material in this part provides a similar tactile experience across both models. Thus, although their top housings produce different auditory characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for an analogous bottoming-out sound and feel in both switches.
When it comes to the overall sound experience, the differing materials of the top housings ultimately dictate the auditory signature of each switch, while the uniformity in bottom housings offers a certain degree of similarity between them. The Hibiscus's nylon top lends itself to a deeper sound profile, softening the overall auditory feedback, whereas the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity in sound. This structural division means that pressing down on either switch will yield a consistent feel due to the nylon bottom, but releasing the key will present distinctly different acoustic outcomes based on the top housing materials. Thus, the combination of differing top housings coupled with a shared bottom enables users to experience a nuanced typing experience that can cater to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Hibiscus features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Jupiter Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a firmer, more tactile feel when typing. This means that while the Hibiscus provides a lighter touch for casual usage, the Jupiter Red offers a heftier resistance, which some users may find satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you seek comfort during extensive use, the Hibiscus would be the favorable option, whereas the Jupiter Red would suit those who appreciate a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there is a clear difference: the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jupiter Red measures 4 mm. This means that the Hibiscus offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times—an appealing feature for gamers seeking fast performance. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red's longer 4 mm travel distance might provide a more traditional and satisfying typing experience, catering to users who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; if one prefers the quicker and more responsive feel, the Hibiscus would be the better option, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might lean towards the Jupiter Red.
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 Red 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
The HMX Hibiscus linear switches produce a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a lively auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This notable sound profile can enhance the overall enjoyment during typing, as it offers feedback that can be both engaging and fun. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches are characterized by a more neutral sound, maintaining a moderate actuation force and sound profile that makes them versatile for various environments, be it home or office. While the Hibiscus switches lean towards a more expressive auditory feel, the Jupiter Red's neutrality caters to those who might prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Hibiscus switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness, offering a premium typing experience that can be attributed to their ultra-light actuation force and refined construction. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switches are described as polished, creamy, and silky, resulting in a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This quality is enhanced by their factory lubrication and materials, which contribute to a sleek and effortless keystroke. While both switches promise a smooth experience, the Hibiscus's lightness may appeal to those who favor a more nimble feel, while the Jupiter Red's polished texture caters to users looking for a consistent, refined touch.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences. The Hibiscus is noted for its engaging sound signature and ultra-light actuation, delivering an expressive typing experience, while the Jupiter Red focuses on neutrality in sound and a polished, creamy feel that suits various typing environments. Depending on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, and users may find that they achieve similar results in terms of typing performance when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Hibiscus linear switches and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lightweight switch that allows for rapid keystrokes with minimal effort, coupled with a satisfying, clacky sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus is your best bet. It's particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who thrive on speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a medium actuation force that balances control and comfort, the Gateron Jupiter Red will be more appealing to you. Its polished, creamy, and silky feel makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, whether at home or in a professional setting, thanks to its neutral sound profile that won't disturb those around you. Ultimately, consider what you value most in a switch—whether it's the sheer ease of typing or a more grounded, stable feel—and choose accordingly for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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