Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Brown. The Jupiter Browns are known for blending tradition with innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. They offer high-precision molds and enhanced softer backlight effects, combining reliable performance with aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are all about subtlety, with a light typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback. While both switches provide tactile feedback, they differ in their overall feel and sound characteristics. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Brown, we can see that the Jupiter Brown uses a polycarbonate top housing while the MX Brown uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the nylon in the MX Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer nature. This means that typing on the Jupiter Brown may produce a more clear and resonant sound, while typing on the MX Brown may result in a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Brown use nylon for this component. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent and tactile typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Brown have different top housing materials with the Jupiter Brown using polycarbonate and the MX Brown using nylon. However, both switches have nylon bottom housings which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the specific characteristics of each switch may differ based on their housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a tactile typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, despite the variance in housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a more comfortable option for longer typing sessions. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Jupiter Brown offers a heavier feel while the MX Brown offers a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing force and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a tactile bump and actuation force, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. With a travel distance of 4 mm, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance that ensures a reliable keypress every time.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a unique auditory experience that is often described as crisp and refreshing, contributing to a satisfying typing session. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches produce a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich audio feedback during key presses. Both switches offer distinctive sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will enjoy a pleasant typing sound with either option.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, blending a gentle keystroke feel with a smooth and refined finish. These switches offer a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the MX Brown switches are known for their textured feel, which may appeal to users seeking a noticeable friction when typing. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, the Jupiter Brown switches lean towards a softer and more polished typing feel compared to the textured feel of the MX Browns.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Cherry MX Brown switches each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Brown switches offer a unique blend of classic keystroke feel with enhanced backlight effects, providing a crisp and refreshing sound along with a polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Brown switches deliver a subtle and gentle typing experience with subdued audio feedback and a textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of reliability and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches, consider the level of force you prefer for bottoming out - the Jupiter Brown offers a medium-heavy 70-gram weight while the MX Brown provides a medium-light 55-gram weight. If you value a more traditional keystroke feel with an emphasis on reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown is a solid option. Additionally, if you prefer a more polished and mild feel, the Jupiter Brown would be suitable, whereas if you prefer a more textured typing experience, the MX Brown could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound profile, and aesthetic preferences.
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