Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Jupiter Brown offers a classic tactile typing experience with its single-stage spring and medium-heavy weight, making it a reliable option for those looking for a blend of tradition and innovation. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile provides a pronounced and balanced tactility, accompanied by a unique jelly-like sound signature that sets it apart from the rest. While both switches excel in their own ways, the Jupiter Brown leans more towards a traditional feel with softer backlight effects, whereas the Durock Medium Tactile offers a distinctive typing experience with its accented tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The primary difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile lies in their top housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both switches due to their shared top housing material.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Jupiter Brown and the Medium Tactile are made from nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite the difference in top housing material, the switches' shared nylon bottom housing ensures users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will manifest differently. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile share similarities in their top housing material, the presence of different bottom housings will result in subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the two switches.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, they both have a similar bottom out force of 70 grams for the Jupiter Brown and 65 grams for the Medium Tactile, both falling within the medium-heavy range. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron Jupiter Brown may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial feel and stronger push when typing may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and needs of users.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is identical. Both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the travel distance felt by the user. This makes them equally suitable for those who prefer a tactile typing feel with a consistent travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of these two switches is the same, offering a comparable typing experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Durock Medium Tactile switches both offer unique experiences. The Jupiter Brown switches are known for producing a traditional, classic sound that is generally well-received by users. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switches have a jelly-like sound signature that adds a touch of novelty to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide a mild and polished typing experience with a single-stage spring that offers a medium-heavy weight feel. These switches are designed to offer a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer an accented and stepped tactile feel that strikes a balance between pronounced tactility and smooth key travel. Like the Jupiter Brown switches, the Durock Medium Tactile switches provide a typing experience that is approachable to most users.

Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Durock Medium Tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Brown switches provide a more traditional typing experience with a classic sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile switches introduce a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the two switches to customize their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, offering users a high-quality typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a traditional keystroke feel and enhanced softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch could be the right fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard. So, weigh your options carefully and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more