Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to the desired typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a tactile feel that strikes a balance between tradition and innovation; they feature a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy keystroke, making them ideal for users who enjoy a classic typing sensation with some feedback. These switches are also designed with high-precision molds, enhancing their reliability while adding aesthetic allure with softer backlight effects. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switches are perfect for those who prioritize a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright auditory profile. With their linear design, they deliver an uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists alike seeking a seamless operation. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you prefer the tactile engagement of the Jupiter Browns or the fluid motion of the Macchiatos. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Macchiato switches, a striking contrast emerges between the top housings. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This effect is largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switch is engaged or released. Furthermore, this material's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through smoothly and create vibrant effects. In contrast, the Macchiato features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a dulled and rounded tone that is markedly different from the crispness of polycarbonate.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a classic choice that ensures consistency in the sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing influences the typing experience as it dampens sound more effectively, contributing to a fuller and richer auditory sensation with each keypress. This shared material allows both models to retain a level of warmth in their sound character, even with their differing top housings. Therefore, despite the differences in the top materials, both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience thanks to their nylon foundations, ensuring that both depth and resonance are present as you type.
Ultimately, the differentiation in top housing materials between the Jupiter Brown and Macchiato means that each switch will cater to distinct user preferences. While the polycarbonate top on the Jupiter Brown promotes a brighter and clearer sound, the nylon top on the Macchiato indulges users in a deeper, more mellow auditory experience. When pressed, the overall feel will be influenced more by the nylon bottom in both cases, so users can expect a similar tactile experience from both switches regardless of the contrasting top materials. This interplay between top and bottom housing highlights how material choices can substantially shape the acoustic profile while still providing a harmonious typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch with its actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams to the HMX Macchiato linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, notable differences emerge. The Jupiter Brown's actuation force is significantly heavier, making it better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Macchiato is lighter overall, appealing to users who favor softer keys for extended typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force further emphasizes this distinction, as the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams to bottom out compared to the Macchiato's 50 grams. Consequently, for those who appreciate the tactile feedback and a heavier push, the Jupiter Brown is the ideal choice, while the Macchiato caters to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience similar key press sensations with both switches. This equal travel distance contributes to a consistent typing experience and responsiveness, regardless of the switch type. With both switches requiring 4 mm of travel from top to bottom, those seeking tactile feedback or a linear feel won't notice significant differences in the distance themselves, allowing for a comparable performance in terms of key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 profiles of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Macchiato switches, the Jupiter Brown's audio characteristics are not explicitly defined, but as a tactile switch, it generally produces a softer sound typical of switches that prioritize tactility over auditory feedback. In contrast, the Macchiato is designed for those who appreciate a bright sound profile, which suggests a crisper audio response that can be more pronounced, adding a lively atmosphere to the typing experience. However, it is essential to remember that the final sound produced also hinges on external factors, such as the keyboard build and keycap materials.
Regarding the feel, the Jupiter Brown is characterized by a mild, polished, and stepped typing experience. This means it offers a gentle embrace during keystrokes, making it approachable for most users. The polished nature of the switch leads to smooth key travel, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall typing satisfaction. The stepped tactile feedback provides a distinct yet subtle tactile response that allows typists to feel the engagement point without overwhelming them. On the other hand, the details concerning the feel of the HMX Macchiato switch are not provided, so we can't make an explicit comparison in this regard.
In summary, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Macchiato switches serve different auditory and tactile preferences, each switch will ultimately deliver a unique typing experience. The Jupiter Brown's nuanced mildness combined with its polished aesthetics appeals to those who enjoy a gentle tactile response, whereas the Macchiato is tailored for consumers seeking a more pronounced auditory experience. These subjective qualities highlight how personal preference plays a vital role in mechanical keyboard choices, guiding users towards the switch that best aligns with their typing habits and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more traditional typing experience with a tactile feel, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams and mildly stepped tactile feedback will provide a satisfying yet not overly pronounced response, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. The polished finish contributes to a smooth keystroke, while its aesthetically pleasing backlighting options enhance your overall setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a light, buttery smooth touch with a brighter sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is ideal for you. With its 50 grams of actuation force, this switch offers a fluid typing experience that's especially enjoyable for those who type for extended periods, allowing for quicker actuation and less finger fatigue. Additionally, if you enjoy a quieter environment or simply favor a more modern linear feel, the Macchiato will be your go-to option. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the sound and feel preferences, and whether you favor tactile feedback or smooth linear action when making your selection.
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