Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, with the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics and typing experiences. The Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel and is ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch stands out for its smoothness and clackiness, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a tactile experience that merges tradition with innovation, featuring a single-stage spring for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. Both switches prioritize performance and aesthetics, showcasing high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Jupiter Brown both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material, which creates a more resonant profile compared to the softer INK blend. However, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique sound signature.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Yellow utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. This blend contributes to the switch's high-pitched and clacky sound, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Jupiter Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Ink Yellow offers a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound with its INK blend housing, the Jupiter Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, but the materials used in their housing construction play a significant role in determining the final sound profile of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, when considering the bottom out force, the Ink Yellow requires 67 grams, while the Jupiter Brown demands 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit of resistance. Those who favor a lighter touch may find the Ink Yellow more suitable for extended typing sessions, while individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Jupiter Brown for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the force required to actuate and bottom out the keys is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Brown may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for responsiveness and depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It also has a clacky characteristic, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch's sound profile is not specified, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Jupiter Brown switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. They provide a gentle feel that is approachable to most users, with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are noted to have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. The Jupiter Brown switch also has a stepped characteristic, offering a tactile feel with two stages that provide a more nuanced typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer a pleasant typing experience with mild characteristics and a polished finish for smooth key travel. While the sound profile of the Jupiter Brown switch is not specified here, users can expect similar results in terms of sound from both switches when taking into consideration factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, the choice between the switches will depend on personal preference for linear or tactile feedback, as well as the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smoother and clackier typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch with a bottom out force of 67 grams would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a more classic keystroke feel and medium-heavy weight, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch with a bottom out force of 70 grams would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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