Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Cherry MX Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Red are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, perfect for those who enjoy a blend of tradition and innovation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. While the Jupiter Brown is categorized as mild, polished, and stepped, the MX Red falls under thocky, low-pitched, and textured. Each switch has its unique characteristics that appeal to different users, making it important to consider your preferences before making a decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Cherry MX Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Red switches, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice of material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. However, the Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound compared to nylon, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting.

While the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Cherry MX Red switches share a common material choice for the bottom housing with nylon, their top housing materials differ significantly. The Cherry MX Red utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique sound experience, characterized by a sharper and crisper sound that is more resonant. These differences in housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences for each switch.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Cherry MX Red switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches incorporate nylon in the bottom housing for a deeper sound, the choice of polycarbonate for the Jupiter Brown's top housing sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red's consistent use of nylon for both housing components ensures a uniform typing experience throughout. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials result in unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Brown is the heavier option. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This makes the MX Red a lighter option compared to the Jupiter Brown. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Red, while users looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a tactile feedback, while the MX Red switch is linear. The tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more pronounced bump during key presses, while the linear feel of the MX Red switch offers a smoother keystroke. Overall, both switches provide a similar travel distance but differ in the type of feedback they offer to the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a sound profile that is not explicitly described in the provided information, but is likely to provide a softer and more muted sound due to its tactile design. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its "thocky" and low-pitched sound, giving users a deep and satisfying auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Jupiter Brown may offer a quieter typing experience compared to the slightly louder and more pronounced sound of the MX Red.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, as well as having a stepped feel that provides a more nuanced tactile feedback. This means users can expect a smooth and refined keypress with some tactile feedback throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may indicate a slightly rougher keypress experience with noticeable friction when pressed. This difference in feel can impact the overall typing experience, with the Jupiter Brown offering a more subtle tactile feel compared to the potentially more noticeable texture of the MX Red.

Taking into account the subjective qualities of sound and feel, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Cherry MX Red switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown provides a softer and more muted sound with a mild and polished feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, the MX Red offers a deeper and more pronounced sound with a textured feel, appealing to users who enjoy a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, but users can expect similar quality and performance from both switches in terms of reliability and durability.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic keystroke feel with a softer backlight effect, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the Cherry MX Red could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, so the decision comes down to the type of typing experience you desire. Choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more