Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Kailh BCP. The Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, is cherished for its medium-heavy weight and classic keystroke feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate feedback while typing without overwhelming force. Its design incorporates high-precision molds and enhanced softer backlight effects, striking a balance between reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the Kailh BCP, a linear switch, offers a different experience altogether with its bouncy, creamy texture and a signature poppy clacky sound profile. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prefer smooth key presses without tactile resistance. While both switches present unique advantages—one prioritizing a tactile feel and the other a smooth, fluid typing experience—it's essential to dive a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Kailh BCP Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Kailh BCP switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile when typing. This crisp sound is further amplified by the material’s ability to transmit the sound waves effectively. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while the Jupiter Brown delivers an articulate and bright auditory feedback, the BCP offers a more subdued and fuller sound, effectively highlighting the contrast in acoustic properties between these two types of housing materials.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Jupiter Brown and the Kailh BCP utilize nylon. This shared material invites a deeper sound profile, characterized by its sound absorption qualities that lead to a rounder audibility when the key bottoms out. Since both switches employ the same nylon composition for their lower housings, users can expect a similar acoustic experience during the key press phase. Thus, regardless of the differing top materials, the foundational sound offered by the nylon bottom housing will be consistent across both switches, ensuring that the typing feel remains pleasantly full.

Overall, the differences in sound profiles between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Kailh BCP can largely be attributed to their top housing materials. The polycarbonate of the Jupiter Brown creates a unique sound that is distinctively sharper and crisper, making it ideal for users who prioritize clarity in their auditory feedback. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the BCP gives it a compositionally warmer tone, resonating well with those who prefer a more muted and mellow sound. Ultimately, while both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, the divergence in their top materials leads to varied acoustic experiences, enriching the choices available to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we observe some notable differences. The Jupiter Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that requires a bit more effort to press down and fully engage. In contrast, the Kailh BCP has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also classified as medium-heavy but on the lighter end of the spectrum. Therefore, while both switches provide a substantial typing experience, the Jupiter Brown is slightly heavier throughout both stages, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Users seeking less strain during prolonged typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Kailh BCP due to its lighter actuation force. Overall, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more tactile feedback, the Gateron Jupiter Brown would be the better choice, whereas the Kailh BCP caters to those favoring a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we find a notable difference in their travel distances, which impacts the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional range and offers a deeper, more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to users who favor quicker, more responsive key presses, commonly favored by gamers. This difference means that users looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Jupiter Brown, while those who value speed and a smoother actuation may prefer the BCP. Ultimately, the Jupiter Brown is the longer travel switch at 4 mm, whereas the Kailh BCP is shorter at 3.5 mm, resulting in different user experiences based on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Kailh BCP linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Jupiter Brown's sound is not explicitly detailed, but it is typically characterized as more subdued and suitable for an office environment, often providing a softer auditory response compared to louder tactile switches. In contrast, the Kailh BCP boasts a distinctly clacky sound profile, producing a sharp, crisp, and percussive noise with every keystroke. This makes the BCP ideal for typists who appreciate a more audible feedback during their typing, adding to the engaging experience of using the keyboard.

Regarding feel, the Jupiter Brown switch presents a mild, stepped tactile experience. This means that typing on Jupiter Browns will deliver a gentle feedback, making it approachable for most users, with a noticeable but not overwhelming tactile bump. In contrast, the Kailh BCP offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like rebound when pressed, along with a creamy sensation that results in a smooth and silky typing experience. The combination of these qualities makes the BCP feel lively and fluid, differing significantly from the more moderate engagement of the Jupiter Brown.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Kailh BCP have their unique attributes, they cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown provides a mild and traditional tactile feel, suitable for quiet environments, whereas the BCP offers a more dynamic and engaging experience with its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy action. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a subtle, traditional feel or a more lively and audible response.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preference and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that embodies a more classic keystroke experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Brown might be the right fit for you. Its stepped and mild tactile feel, along with a quieter sound profile, makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially in environments where noise levels matter. On the other hand, if you favor a bouncier, more exhilarating typing experience, the Kailh BCP will likely appeal to you. Its smooth, creamy feel, coupled with the clacky sound profile, lends itself well to fast-paced typing and gaming where you enjoy auditory feedback and a lively sensation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and traditional keystrokes (Gateron Jupiter Brown) or a smooth, elastic touch with a pronounced sound (Kailh BCP). In the end, both switches offer unique benefits, so it's about finding which experience resonates with you the most.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more