Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that complements your typing style, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Lucky stand out as two distinct options, each catering to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown switches offer a tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight, making them an excellent choice for typists seeking a traditional keystroke feel with a touch of modern refinement. Their single-stage spring design provides not only consistent feedback but also high-precision molds that enhance durability and visual appeal with softer backlight effects. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches deliver a linear typing experience characterized by their lightweight build and smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Crafted with softer and glittery nylon housings, these switches promise a neutral and satisfying response, ideal for gamers and typists alike who prefer fluid key presses. While both switches bring unique benefits to the table, ranging from tactile engagement to effortless gliding, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

HMX Lucky Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Lucky switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles that reflect each plastic's unique properties. The Jupiter Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This material not only enhances the clarity of the keystrokes but also makes it particularly effective for setups using RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the glow of lights to shine through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This material tends to absorb sound rather than resonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate enhances brightness and clarity, the Lucky's use of nylon dictates a more mellow sound profile.

Both switches feature the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which means they share similar acoustic characteristics when it comes to sound absorption. The nylon's inherent softness results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches during key presses. This similarity ensures that regardless of the differing top housings, both switches will deliver a consistent bottom-out experience that is rich and rounded, attributable to the properties of nylon. This commonality in the bottom housing plays a crucial role in how the switches sound during actual typing sessions, emphasizing their shared ability to produce a more subdued auditory feedback when the key is fully pressed.

When evaluating the overall impact of materials on the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Lucky switches, it becomes evident that each switch balances its individual sound profile through the combination of both housing components. The contrasting top materials result in different acoustic effects: the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate adds brightness, while the Lucky's nylon dampens sound. However, since both share the same nylon bottom housing, users can expect a consistent, warmer bottom-out feel across both switches. Therefore, while there are distinctions in sound characteristics due to the top housing materials, the end result during typing can still feature elements of fullness and warmth, especially on key presses. Hence, while each switch has its unique sound signature influenced by its construction, the overarching experience shares a comforting similarity due to the nylon bottom housing in both switches.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a tactile feel. In contrast, the Lucky switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, users seeking a softer keystroke and less fatigue during long periods will gravitate toward the HMX Lucky, while those who appreciate a more forceful feedback will find the Gateron Jupiter Brown to be a better fit. Thus, the Jupiter Brown is the heavier option, whereas the Lucky is the lighter one, leading to varied typing experiences based on individual preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Jupiter Brown measures 4 mm, while the Lucky has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Gateron Jupiter Brown the longer travel option, aligning with more traditional preferences for deeper key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky's shorter travel distance caters to those who may prioritize faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers. As both switches exhibit different travel distances, users who enjoy a more pronounced key press may find the Jupiter Brown more satisfying, while those looking for quick responsiveness might lean towards the Lucky.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for producing a satisfying, subdued "thock" when activated, which is common for tactile switches and contributes to a pleasant typing experience without being too loud. The acoustic profile enhances the tactile feedback, allowing users to feel the actuation point and hear it without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch tends to be quieter and smoother, delivering a more muted sound when pressed. This characteristic is ideal for users who prefer a more discreet typing experience, especially in shared or quiet environments. Both switches can be expected to produce sounds that highly depend on the keyboard build and keycap materials chosen, offering flexibility in customizing the user experience.

When analyzing the feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches deliver a mild, polished, and stepped tactile experience. The mild nature of these switches allows for comfortable typing without being overly aggressive, making them approachable for newcomers and seasoned typists alike. The polished finish further enhances the user's experience by providing a smooth key travel with reduced friction, which encourages confidence in typist finger placement. The stepped design effectively communicates the actuation point without feeling harsh or abrupt. Conversely, the HMX Lucky linear switch provides a deeply satisfying and neutral typing experience. Its lightweight construction and smooth movement make for fluid keystrokes, ideal for rapid typing and gaming. While lacking the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Browns, the Lucky switches offer an effortless and consistent engagement, making them attractive to those who prefer a linear feel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Lucky switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics catering to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown strikes a balance between tactile feedback and smoothness, offering a classic typing experience with mild yet noticeable tactile cues and a pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Lucky switch delivers a linear experience that emphasizes smoothness and quiet operation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences, with each option providing a satisfying experience in its own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more traditional typing experience with tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams caters well to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, making it ideal for both typing and gaming where feedback can enhance your precision. The mild, polished, and stepped feel of this switch provides a gentle but satisfying typing experience, complemented by a refined sound profile that suits quieter environments. On the other hand, if you are seeking a lighter touch for faster typing or gaming, the HMX Lucky linear switch's 43-gram actuation force delivers a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The deep satisfaction of its soft, glittery nylon housing makes it perfect for extended typing sessions or those who favor a quieter switch to avoid disturbing others. In summary, choose the Jupiter Brown for a tactile, responsive feel that grounds your typing in tradition, or opt for the Lucky for its lightness and smooth operation that enables rapid keystrokes without fatigue. Your decision should reflect your personal style and the primary activities you plan to engage in with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more