Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options from Gateron stand out: the Jupiter Brown and the Melodic. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. Known for its high-precision molds and enhanced softer backlight effects, this switch provides reliable performance with aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Melodic is a clicky switch designed to bring innovation to the category. With features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, this switch delivers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. While the Jupiter Brown is categorized as mild, polished, and stepped, the Melodic falls under buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy. Each switch offers unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
4.00 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
One key difference between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Melodic lies in their top housing materials – both of which are made of polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be more prominent due to its translucency. Therefore, users of either switch can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material sets the Jupiter Brown and Melodic apart, with the Jupiter Brown housing made of nylon and the Melodic also utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a softer plastic, nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound on the bottom-out of the switch. Both switches benefit from the properties of nylon in their bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Melodic share the same top housing material in polycarbonate, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing material made of nylon. This results in a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal for both switches. However, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing provides a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Jupiter Brown offering a deeper sound while the Melodic delivers a fuller sound with a rounder tone. Ultimately, users can expect a consistent typing feel across both switches, with slight variations in sound based on the housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Melodic switch is slightly higher at 60 grams, whereas the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams to bottom out. This means that the Jupiter Brown switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. On the other hand, the Melodic switch offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it's clear that both switches offer the same amount of key travel, providing users with a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the keys depress. This means that whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Melodic switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when typing. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with their 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a more traditional and medium-heavy keystroke feel. It provides a classic tactile experience with a softer backlight effect, resulting in a reliable performance with a touch of aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch boasts a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Users can enjoy a higher-pitched and clean sound experience with this switch, thanks to advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. Ultimately, the sound of a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown provides a mild and polished typing experience. These switches offer a gentle feel with a safe, middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. With a smooth and refined finish, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. Users can enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Melodic switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Brown provides a classic tactile experience with a medium-heavy keystroke feel, the Melodic clicky switch enhances the traditional clicky sound profile with advancements like smooth factory lubing. Both switches deliver reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct sound and feel characteristics. Users can expect similar results in sound and feel quality when choosing between these two Gateron switch options.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more classic keystroke feel with tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, a smooth and immersive clicky sound, and a buttery, invigorating typing experience, the Melodic switch would be more suitable. Consider the sound, feel, and overall typing experience you desire when making your decision between these two Gateron switches.
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