Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Light Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Jupiter Brown is praised for its blend of tradition and innovation, offering a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Light Tactile from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and more pleasant typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches. While the Jupiter Brown is categorized as mild, polished, and stepped, the Light Tactile falls under neutral, mild, and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Light Tactile switches both share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that feature RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Jupiter Brown uses nylon while the Durock Light Tactile also opts for nylon. Nylon has different characteristics compared to polycarbonate, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This can be a preferred choice for users looking for a quieter typing experience with less high-pitched noise.
Overall, the combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Light Tactile switches offers a unique typing experience. The split in housing materials allows for a balance between sharper, crisper sound from the top housing and deeper, fuller sound from the bottom housing. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound or a quieter typing experience, both switches provide a diverse range of sound profiles to cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch. The Jupiter Brown requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, while the Light Tactile requires 52 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a satisfying typing experience without being overly taxing on the fingers. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Light Tactile more suitable for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more robust feel may favor the Jupiter Brown. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that there is no difference in the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel, ensuring that users can expect consistent performance regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, the similarity in travel distance between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Durock Light Tactile switches guarantees a consistent typing experience for users looking for a tactile switch option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jupiter Brown switch is known for a moderate sound profile that complements its medium-heavy weight keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and airy sound signature that pairs well with its angelic tactility. Both switches provide a neutral sound experience, making them versatile options for various typing environments.
In terms of feel, both the Jupiter Brown and Light Tactile switches offer a mild typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. The Jupiter Brown switch, with its polished finish and stepped tactile feel, provides a refined and smooth typing experience. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch boasts a polished finish and mild tactility that enhances the overall typing comfort. With these similarities in feel, users can expect a consistently enjoyable typing experience regardless of their choice between the two switches.
Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch or the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you can expect a pleasant and comfortable typing experience. Both switches offer a balanced blend of sound, feel, and aesthetics, making them ideal choices for users looking for a versatile and reliable mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch, consider your preference for tactility and typing experience. If you prefer a traditional tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic keystroke feel, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gentler tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and ergonomic requirements.
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