Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Lotus (Heavy). The Jupiter Brown switches are tactile, offering a satisfying bump that ensures you feel each keystroke, making them ideal for typists who appreciate feedback in their typing. With a medium-heavy weight and a design that incorporates high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, these switches blend traditional keystroke feel with modern aesthetics. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches offer a linear experience, characterized by a bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that can make every keystroke exciting. Weighing in at 62.5g, they cater to those who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes for gaming or rapid typing. While both switches have their unique attributes that appeal to different users, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference—whether you desire the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Browns or the fluidity of the Lotus (Heavy). However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employ different materials for their top housing, which significantly impacts their respective sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition. This material not only enhances clarity and resonance but also works well with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that effectively dampen sound, leading to a deeper and fuller timbre. The distinct qualities of these materials mean that while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Jupiter Brown leans towards a bright and vibrant sound, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) creates a warmer, more subdued acoustics.

Both the Jupiter Brown and the Lotus (Heavy) share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, leading to similar results in terms of sound. Using nylon at the base contributes to a rounded and fuller sound profile in both switches, as the soft plastic absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This similarity extends the sound quality perceived when bottoming out on either switch, ensuring that the deeper, plush sound signature is consistently present. Thus, while the top housings differ and produce unique auditory characteristics, both switches benefit from nylon's excellent sound-dampening properties in their lower housing.

When considering the overall acoustic experience of these two switches, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials becomes crucial. The top housing of the Gateron Jupiter Brown, with its polycarbonate, enhances the sound on release, promoting a clean and clear auditory feedback, while the nylon bottom ensures a satisfying, fuller bottom-out feel. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a more balanced sound output through its nylon top, complemented by the same nylon at the base. Ultimately, the pairing of different top and bottom materials in both switches results in distinct sound profiles, influencing the overall typing experience, while maintaining the inherent depth provided by the nylon in the bottom housing of both models.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, providing a consistent feel when triggering keystrokes, which is ideal for users seeking a balanced typing experience. However, the differences arise in their bottom out forces: the Jupiter Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Lotus bottoms out at 62.5 grams. This indicates that, despite having the same actuation force, the Gateron Jupiter Brown may provide a more substantial push when fully depressed, which could appeal to those who prefer a heavier feedback. Conversely, the lighter bottom out force of the Lotus switch might be favored by those looking for a softer landing, making it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In summary, while both switches have an equal actuation force, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is the heavier option with a more pronounced bottoming out experience compared to the HMX Lotus.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Brown offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Jupiter Brown's greater travel distance provides a more pronounced feedback feel, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, caters more to users who favor quick response times and a more abrupt actuation typical of gaming keyboards. In summary, if you prioritize a traditional feel and depth, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is the better choice, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is suited for those who prefer a more efficient, rapid keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch produces a pleasant, subdued acoustic profile that is neither too loud nor too soft, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Its sound is characterized by a gentle thock upon actuation that provides a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly obtrusive. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, on the other hand, is known for its bright, resonant sound that adds a more pronounced auditory experience to typing. This switch's sound profile tends to be more pronounced due to its linear nature, providing a lively keystroke that might be more suitable for users who appreciate a bolder acoustic presence.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown delivers a mild, polished typing experience. Users will find its tactile feedback to be approachable, with the stepped design providing a noticeable kick at the actuation point that enhances typing without being overwhelming. The smoothness created by its refined materials contributes to a smooth key travel, making each keystroke enjoyable for both casual and intensive typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a super bouncy feel that is characterized by its heavier weight of 62.5g. This creates an energetic typing experience; however, the specifics of how this bounciness translates into tactile feedback in comparison to the Jupiter Browns remain less described.

Overall, while both switches are crafted for a pleasurable typing experience, they cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown stands out for users who appreciate a mild and polished tactile feedback with a gentle sound signature, making it versatile for various settings. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) attracts those who enjoy a lively and resonant auditory experience alongside a unique bouncy feeling. While both provide quality options, they serve to fulfill different user preferences, ensuring that there's an appealing choice for both tactile and linear switch enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch really depends on your individual typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile experience that balances tradition with a modern touch, the Jupiter Brown, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, might be your ideal choice. It offers a mild, polished feel that is approachable for most users, making it a great option for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy feeling a subtle bump in your keystrokes without the intensity of more pronounced tactile switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, bouncy, and enjoyable linear experience, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is likely to be more your speed. With a slightly lower actuation force of 62.5 grams and an emphasis on a bright, resonant sound, these switches provide a delightful feedback that enhances your keystroke enjoyment, making them excellent for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing tasks. Ultimately, the choice lies in whether you crave tactile feedback or silky smoothness, and understanding your own typing style will help you make the best decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more