Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options from Gateron stand out: the Jupiter Brown and the Mars. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that elegantly combines tradition with modern design, providing a familiar keystroke feel thanks to its medium-heavy single-stage spring. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars is a linear switch known for its innovative POK stem and housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. This switch appeals to users who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted typing experience, often favored by gamers or those who type for extended periods. While both switches cater to different preferences and needs, they each provide their distinctive advantages in performance and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you and your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Mars switches, notable differences emerge in both the top and bottom housings, leading to distinctive auditory experiences. The Jupiter Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, allowing for a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material's clarity not only resonates well acoustically but also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing. Conversely, the Mars features a nylon top housing that, while a classic choice, introduces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties. This leads to a sound characteristic that is rounder and more muted compared to the sharper tonal qualities exhibited by the Jupiter Brown.
Regarding the bottom housings, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon material, which also contributes to a deeper sound profile. This aligns with the properties of nylon, enhancing the overall fullness of sound output and providing a consistent auditory experience. In contrast, the Mars employs a POM bottom housing, which delivers a unique, pleasing sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted profile. The differences in bottom housing materials mean that while both switches may offer a fuller sound, their tonal qualities diverge—Jupiter Brown maintains some sharper characteristics from the polycarbonate top, whereas Mars benefits from the distinct muting of sounds through its POM composition.
Overall, the distinct combinations of housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Mars switches demonstrate how varying both top and bottom housings contributes to the overall sound profile. For instance, while the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top provides clarity in sound release, its nylon bottom reinforces the depth of the overall audio experience. Meanwhile, Mars's nylon top and POM bottom create a more cohesive, richly muted sound. Thus, even though both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the incorporation of different top materials results in unique characteristics that will be felt and heard when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation force. The Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may provide a more substantial and engaging typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a firmer response while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Mars switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who enjoy a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown's bottom out force is rated at 70 grams, giving it a pronounced resistance when fully pressed, while the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. This lack of data means we cannot fully compare its bottoming out characteristics. Overall, the Jupiter Brown is the heavier switch, favoring those who appreciate a more tactile feedback, while the lighter Mars switch caters to those seeking comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jupiter Brown offers a more substantial depth, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. In contrast, the Mars, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferred by gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you favor a more hearty feel, the Jupiter Brown would be the better choice, while the Mars caters to those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are characterized by a balanced acoustic profile that blends a gentle thock with a muted tone, making them pleasant for both typists and those in shared spaces. The tactile bump adds a subtle click-like sound without being overly loud, which allows for an engaging auditory experience without becoming disruptive. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches are designed with a smooth actuation that results in a quieter operation. Their linear nature means that they produce a near-silent keystroke compared to tactile options, which can appeal to users who prefer a stealthy typing experience. Keep in mind that the perceived sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown switches provide a mild tactile experience that caters to users seeking a classic keystroke sensation. With a polished finish and a stepped tactile design, these switches offer a smooth typing experience with a discernible bump that signals actuation, giving typists an excellent feedback loop without harsh interruptions. The medium-heavy weight of the spring adds to the satisfaction in each keystroke, ensuring a more deliberate typing flow. In contrast, Gateron Mars switches deliver a silky smoothness typical of linear switches, allowing the fingers to glide effortlessly from key to key without the resistance typically found in tactile switches. The key travel in Mars switches is designed to feel effortless, appealing to users who prioritize speed and fluid motion, making them ideal for gaming and fast typists.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Mars switches present unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown is perfect for those who appreciate a tactile feedback experience with a pleasant sound profile, making it a versatile choice for general typing and office environments. Conversely, the Mars switches excel in providing a smooth and silent keystroke, appealing to users who favor speed and a minimalist auditory presence. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, you can confidently choose between these switches, as they offer distinctive yet equally rewarding experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a clear, but mild indication of actuation, then the Jupiter Brown is likely your best choice. Its classic keystroke feel, combined with a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, makes it ideal for typing tasks where you want to be able to hear and feel each keypress without overwhelming noise. This switch’s polished nature provides a smooth typing experience, making it great for long writing sessions or coding. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more fluid and unimpeded keypress experience, then you’ll want to consider the Gateron Mars linear switch. Although detailed specifications on the actuation force are not available, the Mars is known for its innovative design and smooth operation, which suits those who prefer rapid key presses without tactile feedback. This can be particularly beneficial for gaming or fast-paced typing environments where speed is paramount. In short, if you value tactile feedback and a classic feel, go for the Jupiter Brown; if you prefer smooth, linear keypresses ideal for quick actions, then the Mars should be your pick.
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