Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their unique characteristics and qualities. The Jupiter Brown stands out for its tactile nature, offering a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. In contrast, the Mamba showcases its linear design, providing a smooth and gliding typing experience paired with a rich auditory feedback. Both switches prioritize precision and reliability, but the Jupiter Brown emphasizes tradition while the Mamba pays homage to innovation. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a softer backlight effect or a linear switch with a creamy typing sensation, each switch has its own appeal. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Mamba, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. While the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Mamba's unique blend provides a different auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, another point of comparison arises between the two switches. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. While both materials offer a different sound experience, the softer nature of nylon in the Jupiter Brown leads to a rounder sound compared to the more muted sound produced by POM in the Mamba.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Mamba, both switches exhibit unique sound profiles based on the materials used in their construction. The split between top and bottom housing allows for distinct qualities to be felt and heard when pressing down on the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the sharp, clear sound of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown or the pleasant brightness of the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Mamba, these switches offer varied auditory experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Mamba has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams. The actuation force of the Mamba is lighter than the Jupiter Brown, making it a better option for those looking for a lighter typing experience. However, both switches provide a medium level of resistance, with the Mamba being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Mamba has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Mamba may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Jupiter Brown might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a thocky sound, which produces a deep and satisfying auditory experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer a mild typing experience. This means that the keystrokes are gentle and approachable to most users, falling into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch differ in their sound profiles, they share similar qualities in terms of feel. Both switches offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish, making them comfortable and easy to use for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile or a thocky sound, you can expect to get similarly pleasant typing experiences from both switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a more traditional tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy linear typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Mamba switch could be the one to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of sound and feel you enjoy most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
