Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Black stand out as popular options with distinct features. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a blend of tradition and innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is a linear switch known for its smoothness and deep sound profile, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. While the Jupiter Brown is categorized as mild, polished, and stepped, the MX Black falls into the low-pitched, textured, and stiff category. Both switches have their unique benefits, with the Jupiter Brown offering a softer backlight effect and the MX Black boasting a textured smoothness. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Black, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing's role in impacting the bottom-out sound and feel is crucial in providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
However, the main point of difference between the Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Black lies in their top housing materials. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is ideal for users looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that offers a different typing experience compared to the Jupiter Brown. These differences in top housing material contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Black share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Brown offers a distinct sound profile that is sharper and crisper, while the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Black provides a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, demonstrating how housing materials play a crucial role in the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Jupiter Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams while the MX Black demands a heavier 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Jupiter Brown, while those who enjoy a more resistant feel may lean towards the MX Black. In both cases, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness, with slight variations in the overall typing experience based on their weight preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance may result in comparable typing experiences in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other, providing users with a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 Jupiter Brown switches offer a sound profile that is yet to be described. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and more bass-heavy tone which can be mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Jupiter Brown switches are praised for their mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground zone. These switches are described as having a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, these switches have a stepped feel, providing a more subtle tactile experience compared to more pronounced tactile switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their textured and stiff qualities, offering noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. These switches cater to users who prefer a slightly rougher typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches and the Cherry MX Black linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Browns provide a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and a polished, stepped experience, the Cherry MX Blacks offer a smoother, low-pitched sound profile and a more textured, stiff typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can provide satisfying results for users seeking different tactile and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your preference for weight and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a classic keystroke feel and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a smooth texture and deep sound profile, the MX Black could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable to you. Choose the switch that best matches your preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
