Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White present contrasting options to meet different preferences. The Jupiter Brown offers a tactile typing experience known for blending tradition with innovation, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a classic keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Meteor White provides a linear switch that is easy to push with a gentle sound profile, offering a soft typing experience. While the Jupiter Brown emphasizes reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, the Meteor White focuses on a subtle and smooth typing experience. 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This commonality results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the Jupiter Brown distinguishes itself with a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. These differences in the top housing materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This allows for customizable lighting effects that can enhance the overall look of the keyboard. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White's nylon top housing may not have the same visual appeal as a clear polycarbonate housing, but it still provides a classic look that many users appreciate. Both switches prioritize functionality over aesthetics, with each housing material serving a specific purpose in enhancing the typing experience for the user.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches offer a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deep and full sound while typing, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Meteor White's rounder and duller sound from the nylon top housing. Whether you prioritize sound clarity or visual appeal, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown is the heavier of the two. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, the Meteor White has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light in comparison. This means that the Jupiter Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, while the Meteor White will offer a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the same for both switches, which means you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Meteor White, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when pressing down on the key. Overall, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, providing a smooth operating experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various scenarios. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch produces a thocky sound, known for its deep and satisfying tone when pressed. While both switches provide different sound profiles, the actual sound experienced can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
As for feel, both the Jupiter Brown and the Meteor White switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable for most users. With a polished finish, these switches provide smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown features a stepped design, providing a more subtle tactile feedback compared to the Meteor White's linear action.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in sound and feel, they both offer a pleasant typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a classic tactile switch with a medium-heavy weight or a gentle linear switch with a soft sound profile, both options are reliable choices that prioritize both performance and aesthetics. Ultimately, your choice between the Jupiter Brown and Meteor White switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy weighted keystroke, opt for the Jupiter Brown, which offers a classic keystroke feel with a 70-gram bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke, the Meteor White with a 57-gram bottom out force would be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel profiles of each switch, with the Jupiter Brown providing a more tactile and polished typing experience, while the Meteor White offers a softer and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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