Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches profoundly affects both typing experience and performance, with the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Bsun Light Sakura presenting two distinct options for users. The Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, offers a medium-heavy keystroke that combines traditional feel with modern innovation, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate feedback with each press. Its polished design and enhanced backlight effects add a touch of elegance, appealing to those who value both function and aesthetics in their keyboards. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch characterized by its ultra-light feel and silent operation, making it perfect for long typing sessions and conducive to quiet environments. This switch caters to users looking for a smooth, fatigue-reducing typing experience without the distraction of audible clicks. Both switches have unique advantages that can cater to different preferences and user needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$2.80 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Bsun Light Sakura switches, it is evident that both share similarities in their top housing but differ significantly in their bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared characteristic arises from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting setups. The translucency of polycarbonate further enhances the aesthetic appeal, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through, providing both visual and auditory satisfaction when typing.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge notably. The Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for creating a deeper and rounder sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This contrasts with the Light Sakura’s decision to use polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which maintains the same crispness and resonance found in its top housing. The differences in bottom housing materials suggest that while the Jupiter Brown is likely to produce a more muted, absorbent sound profile, the Light Sakura is set to deliver a consistently sharp sound through both its top and bottom, resulting in a more uniform auditory experience.

Ultimately, the varying combinations of materials lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences when these switches are utilized. Users can expect the Jupiter Brown to provide a typing experience enriched by the fuller and deeper tones of its nylon bottom housing, while the Light Sakura is poised to deliver a vibrant and consistently crisp sound due to its dual-polycarbonate composition. If one were to seek similar auditory qualities across these switch types, one might focus on switches with like materials for both the top and bottom housing, as such symmetry typically ensures that both the bottom-out and release sounds are aligned in tone and texture, enabling distinct yet complementary experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to those who seek a more effortless typing style. This variance in force means that users who often engage in long typing sessions or gaming might find the Light Sakura more comfortable, while those desiring a stronger feedback and a grounded feel will favor the Jupiter Brown. Overall, the Jupiter Brown’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces establish it as the choice for a more tactile experience, while the Light Sakura offers a smoother, lighter touch.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the Jupiter Brown, users will experience a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile feedback due to its longer distance. On the other hand, the Light Sakura’s shorter 3.6 mm travel may appeal to gamers or those who favor rapid key presses, offering quicker response times and a more immediate action. While both switches are designed for different preferences in terms of typing feel and responsiveness, the Jupiter Brown is clearly the longer option, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a subdued yet satisfying acoustic profile that typically resonates well without overwhelming the environment. Its tactile nature can produce a subtle thock sound upon actuation, which, while giving a pleasant auditory feedback, remains relatively quiet in comparison to clicky switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is designed to be a silent alternative, reducing noise to a minimum while still allowing for a pleasant typing experience. This makes it particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces where discretion is paramount. Ultimately, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the Jupiter Brown is a bit more pronounced in sound than the near-silent Light Sakura.

When considering feel, the Jupiter Brown strikes a balance with its mild, polished, and stepped sensation. The mild tactile bump allows for a more approachable typing experience, and the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel that minimizes friction. This results in a seamless transition between keystrokes, making the switch pleasurable for extended typing. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch offers an ultra-light feel which is ideal for prolonged use, promoting a gentle touch that alleviates typing fatigue. Unlike the stepped bump of the Jupiter Brown, the Light Sakura's linear feel means that users enjoy an uninterrupted key travel without the tactile feedback, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke with each press.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Bsun Light Sakura switches serve distinct preferences in sound and feel, making them well-suited for different typing environments. The Jupiter Brown offers a tactile experience with unique auditory feedback that appeals to traditionalists, while the Light Sakura caters to those seeking a quiet and light-touch feel, perfect for long typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensation; both will provide a reliable typing experience, albeit with contrasting characteristics.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a more traditional tactile feel with a noticeable yet gentle feedback during your keystrokes, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice, particularly suited for those who enjoy a medium-heavy key feel and appreciate a polished typing experience. This switch's mild sound and tactile feedback can provide a satisfying experience without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience, especially in shared or office environments, the Light Sakura switch is the way to go. Its lightweight design makes extended typing less tiresome, while its silent operation allows you to work without disturbing those around you. Thus, you should choose the Jupiter Brown for a classic, tactile typing experience, and opt for the Light Sakura if you prioritize quietness and ease during long typing sessions. This way, you can find a mechanical keyboard setup that truly suits your typing style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more