Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Magnetic Jade exemplify two distinct approaches to typing experience. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that marries a classic keystroke feel with modern aesthetics, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring design that delivers a satisfying tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate responsive feedback without excessive force. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilizes Hall Effect technology, providing a unique combination of bright acoustics and a clacky sound profile, making it a top choice for those seeking immersive auditory feedback in their typing experience. While the Jupiter Brown emphasizes a traditional and polished feel, the Magnetic Jade offers a more dynamic and impactful sound. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share a commonality in their top housing material; both utilize polycarbonate, which significantly influences their acoustic properties. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile owing to its stiffer nature. This results in a clearer and more resonant sound when typing, making both switches particularly appealing for users who value auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for exceptional diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboards designed for illumination. Both switches, therefore, provide similar sound characteristics due to the identical top housing material, creating a consistent auditory result regardless of the switch brand.
In contrast, while both Gateron switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, the sound profiles they provide differ from that of their polycarbonate tops. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This contributes to a more muted, rounder auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. The nylon bottom housing’s characteristics complement the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top, creating a balanced auditory response that aligns with the desires of those who appreciate a varied acoustic experience. Since both switches share this nylon material for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar muffled sound profile from the bottoming out of the switches, reinforcing the consistency between the two options.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Jupiter Brown and Magnetic Jade switches creates a distinctive typing experience. The shared polycarbonate top provides a similar sonic clarity, while the nylon bottoms offer a deeper, fuller sound that enhances the overall tactile experience. Thus, despite the distinct branding, the physical properties of the top and bottom housing materials guide the acoustic behavior of both switches in complementary ways. This similarity allows users to confidently choose either switch based on their specific preferences for sound and feel, knowing that both will deliver a harmonious mix of sharp clarity and rich depth.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which can be more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. Consequently, those who prioritize a lighter touch should opt for the Magnetic Jade, while users seeking a stronger push feel may find the Jupiter Brown more appealing. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that minimizes fatigue over long periods, the Magnetic Jade stands out as the lighter option, while the Jupiter Brown caters to those who prefer a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Jupiter Brown provides a more pronounced keypress experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a deeper tactile feedback. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, offers quicker actuation and may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. While both switches serve distinct preferences—one favoring a hearty depth and the other a snappier feel—the Jupiter Brown is the longer travel option at 4 mm compared to the Magnetic Jade's 3.5 mm. Consequently, users may want to choose based on their tactile preferences and the type of typing or gaming experience they seek.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00.
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
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch produces a sound profile that leans towards the softer side, providing a generally subdued acoustic feedback during typing. This quality makes it suitable for environments where noise levels are a concern. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade delivers a bright and clacky sound, which is quite pronounced and engaging. This characteristic makes it appealing to typists who enjoy audible feedback as part of their typing experience and aids in creating a vibrant atmosphere, particularly in a gaming or creative setting. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience will also depend on the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps, which can influence acoustics dramatically.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown offers a mild and polished experience, instilling a sense of comfort in longer typing sessions. With its medium-heavy weight and smooth travel, you gain a refined typing experience marked by a gentle tactile bump that is easy to engage with. The stepped nature of the switch also provides a balanced sensation, combining some pre-travel feedback with a subtle tactile response. On the other hand, the specific feel characteristics of the Magnetic Jade are not detailed here. However, given its design for superior performance, one could expect the Magnetic Jade to offer a unique typing experience, potentially with its own blend of tactile feedback that complements its clacky sound.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a polished feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade captivates with its bright acoustics and potentially dynamic tactile feedback. For newcomers, selecting between the two will depend largely on whether they prioritize sound or tactile engagement. Both switches hold the potential for enjoyable typing experiences, but their distinctive qualities cater to different preferences. Overall, it’s advisable to try them both, if possible, to determine which aligns better with your typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a switch that provides a classic, medium-heavy tactile feel with a mild, polished keystroke experience, the Jupiter Brown is a reliable option. This switch is suitable for tasks that require longer typing sessions, as its stepped tactile feedback can reduce finger fatigue while maintaining a comfortable ride. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Magnetic Jade would be your go-to. It excels in providing an engaging typing experience, making it particularly well-suited for gaming or fast-paced work. Moreover, if you are in the market for improved acoustics and overall performance, the Magnetic Jade's innovative technology could enhance your setup significantly. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you value a traditional tactile feel or seek the excitement of a more modern switch design.
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