Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, the main difference lies in their tactile versus linear design. The Jupiter Browns are tactile switches that offer a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, while the MX Silent Red provides a smoother, quieter typing experience. The Jupiter Browns are known for their blend of tradition and innovation, with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making them both reliable and aesthetically appealing. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the satisfying typing experience of the MX Red but operates silently, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red, one can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound absorption properties of nylon. However, the key difference lies in the top housing material used. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Silent Red employs a nylon top housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the sound experience of typing on these switches will vary based on the top housing material used.
On the aesthetic front, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red also differ. The Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear housing, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency, limiting the potential for RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the choice of housing materials can impact the overall look and feel of the keyboard, with the clear polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Brown offering a different visual appeal compared to the opaque nylon housing of the MX Silent Red.
Overall, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red provide distinct typing experiences due to their differing top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Brown delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of these switches differs, with the Jupiter Brown's clear housing being more suitable for RGB lighting customization compared to the MX Silent Red's opaque housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Gateron Jupiter Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red's 45 grams, making the Silent Red lighter in terms of actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Jupiter Brown is 70 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown, making it impossible to determine which is heavier in that regard. The actuation force of the Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing experience, whereas the lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red may be more appealing for users looking to type for longer periods without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Jupiter Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Cherry MX Silent Red the shorter travel distance option. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the MX Silent Red offers a slightly shorter distance which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. The Jupiter Brown, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more significant tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a traditional mechanical keyboard sound with a medium-heavy weight that resonates with each keypress. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a muted, thocky sound that is significantly quieter than the standard mechanical switch. The low-pitched sound of the MX Silent Red creates a more subtle and bass-heavy tone compared to the Jupiter Brown. However, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as keycap material and keyboard construction, so results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The stepped feel of these switches offers a gentle keystroke that is approachable to a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a different sensation compared to the smoother feel of the Jupiter Brown. The textured nature of the MX Silent Red switch may appeal to users who prefer a slightly more tactile experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown provides a classic tactile feel with a medium-heavy weight, while the MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience with a slightly different feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. Whether you opt for the traditional tactile feel of the Jupiter Brown or the silent linear experience of the MX Silent Red, you can expect quality performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the key characteristics of each switch. If you value a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown is a great choice for a traditional yet innovative feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience without sacrificing the smooth linear feel, the MX Silent Red is an ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for noise level, typing feel, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment for an optimal typing experience.
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