Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Lunar Probe switches stand out as popular options. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a blend of tradition and innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe is a linear switch featuring Gateron's dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, along with a smooth, pre-lubed sensation and subtle sound signature. While the Jupiter Brown excels in tactile feedback and medium-heavy weight, the Lunar Probe shines in its smooth linear action and stable keypresses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Lunar Probe switches share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound experience from both the Jupiter Brown and Lunar Probe switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Jupiter Brown and Lunar Probe switches differ slightly. The Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite this slight difference in housing materials, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Lunar Probe switches allows for a well-rounded typing experience. While the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This split in housing materials ensures that users can enjoy a versatile and tactile typing experience with both switches, with the polycarbonate top housing providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, and the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Lunar Probe offers a lighter touch ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer different levels of resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Jupiter Brown being on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the Lunar Probe for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Jupiter Brown with its longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, the Jupiter Brown is known for its quiet and subtle sound profile. The Lunar Probe, on the other hand, offers a smooth and soft sound signature, making it a quieter option compared to other linear switches. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Jupiter Brown leaning towards a more traditional noise level and the Lunar Probe providing a modern, sleek sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as having a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the keystrokes are gentle and refined, offering a smooth and approachable typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers an incredibly smooth and consistent linear sensation, thanks to its unique dual rail mechanism. While the Jupiter Brown provides a softer and more traditional tactile experience, the Lunar Probe excels in delivering a consistently smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown provides a classic tactile experience with a mild and polished feel, while the Lunar Probe presents a modern linear sensation with a smooth and consistent keystroke. Depending on whether you prefer a traditional tactile feedback or a smooth linear typing experience, both switches offer reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider your preferred bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with tactile feedback and are looking for a traditional yet innovative switch with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with smooth linear feedback and stable keypresses, the Lunar Probe might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, preferences, and desired typing experience.
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