Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that combines tradition with innovation, offering a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is a linear switch designed for maximum speed and rapid response, making it ideal for gamers who need instant triggering capabilities. While the Jupiter Brown focuses on reliability and aesthetic appeal with its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the MX Speed Silver prioritizes quick actions and low spring resistance for swift keystrokes. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon, known for its softer composition, helps to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. This absorption of sound lends to a duller and rounder tone compared to harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, users can expect a similar experience when using both switches due to their shared use of nylon.
On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is praised for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in the top housing material may result in distinct sound experiences for users of these switches.
When comparing the overall sound experience of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, the combination of their different housing materials plays a significant role. While both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, the distinctiveness of the polycarbonate top housing in the Jupiter Brown and the nylon top housing in the MX Speed Silver create varying sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown is likely to offer a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Speed Silver may provide a deeper and fuller tone. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Jupiter Brown is also heavier at 70 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. This means that the Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some may find the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Brown for a more tactile and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm. The difference may seem slight, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers and individuals looking for a faster response time may prefer the MX Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Jupiter Brown. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the MX Speed Silver providing a quicker keystroke and the Jupiter Brown offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 is known for providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offers a unique "thocky" sound that is deep and low-pitched, giving a different auditory feedback during use. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the acoustics of your keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a mild and polished typing experience that falls into a safe middle ground, making it suitable for a wide range of users seeking a comfortable and refined feel while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a textured feedback that some users prefer for added tactile sensations during keystrokes. The linear action of the MX Speed Silver switch combined with its low spring resistance contributes to a smooth and swift typing experience, especially beneficial for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick and precise key presses are crucial.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch each have their own unique attributes when it comes to sound and feel. Whether you prefer the classic tactility of the Jupiter Brown or the lightning-fast response of the MX Speed Silver, both switches offer reliable performance and distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your individual typing style, gaming needs, and personal preferences when it comes to sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, the Gateron Jupiter Brown would be a great choice. These switches provide reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed and instantaneous response, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be more suitable. With its low spring resistance and linear action, it is geared towards providing quick keystrokes for gaming where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel and performance requirements.
Mentioned in this article
