Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Mountain Top stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, making it ideal for those who appreciate tradition blended with innovation. On the other hand, the Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience suitable for professional settings. While the Jupiter Brown is known for its polished and stepped feel, the Mountain Top is praised for its bouncy and subtle actuation. Both switches excel in different areas, offering users unique benefits depending on their preferences and requirements. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials are known for their durability, polycarbonate is more translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas nylon is a classic choice for switch housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jupiter Brown and Mountain Top utilize nylon for a softer and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of these switches helps absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the similar choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Overall, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch sound profiles can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences. While the Gateron Jupiter Brown may appeal to those looking for a crisper and higher-pitched sound, the Gateron Mountain Top is suited for those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, whether you choose a switch with a polycarbonate or nylon top housing, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound absorption and overall feel.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch provides a lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Mountain Top switch, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the Jupiter Brown switch. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in the typing experience, with lighter switches being more comfortable for extended periods of use, and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The difference may not be significant for some users, but those who prefer a deeper key press may find the Jupiter Brown more satisfying. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences. Overall, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 offers a unique auditory experience due to its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a more classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch caters specifically to office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience that balances a subdued sound signature with a comfortably light actuation. Both switches provide different sound profiles to cater to various preferences, making them suitable for different typing environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing feel, providing a responsive and low-impact experience that enhances typing comfort. The switches offer different tactile sensations, catering to different typing preferences and needs.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Brown provides a more classic and tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight, the Mountain Top offers a quiet and light linear typing experience suitable for office settings. Depending on individual preferences and typing environments, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. It is important to consider factors like sound profile, actuation force, and tactile feedback when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure optimal typing comfort and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prefer a traditional tactile feel with a medium-heavy weight and enjoy a classic keystroke experience, the Jupiter Brown is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light switch with a quiet typing experience that is ideal for professional settings, the Mountain Top switch is the better choice. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your personal style and usage environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what suits you best.
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