Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown switches exemplify the tactile category, delivering a satisfying keystroke feel thanks to their single-stage spring design that balances tradition and innovation. These switches offer a medium-heavy weight, making them ideal for users who appreciate feedback in their typing, as well as the added benefits of high-precision molds and aesthetically pleasing softer backlight effects. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches represent the linear option, known for their impeccably smooth actuation and neutral sound signature. Users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience may gravitate towards these switches for their seamless keystrokes and lack of tactile bump. Both switches have their merits, catering to different typing preferences and styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.80 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea switches utilize polycarbonate material for their top housings, which leads to several similarities in their sound profiles. Both switches demonstrate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, thanks to polycarbonate's inherent properties. The material's stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it a sought-after choice for keyboard enthusiasts. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the polycarbonate construction, particularly when used with RGB lighting, as the material’s translucence enhances the illumination effects, creating a visually appealing setup for users who value both performance and aesthetics.

While the top housings of the Jupiter Brown and Orange Sea switches share common traits, the bottom housings diverge with the use of nylon in both models. Nylon is a traditional choice for switch bottom housings, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This difference in material impacts the overall acoustic character of the switches, providing a balance between the bright clarity of the polycarbonate top housing and the warm depth of the nylon bottom, which can cater to different user preferences for typing feel and sound.

In considering the combined impact of these housing materials, both switches present a well-rounded auditory experience by integrating the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon. The Jupiter Brown's and Orange Sea's sound profiles exemplify the principle that different materials can complement each other; the polycarbonate contributes to the high-end clarity while the nylon enriches the lower frequencies. As a result, users can expect a dynamic and engaging typing experience from both switches, where the sound upon key press and release is influenced distinctly by their material properties. Whether you prioritize the crispness of the polycarbonate or the fullness of the nylon, both switches offer compelling choices that cater to varied auditory preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Orange Sea a more suitable choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Jupiter Brown may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Therefore, users looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who enjoy a heavier push should consider the Gateron Jupiter Brown for their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there's a notable difference. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional travel distance, which provides a substantial and satisfying depth when pressed. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker actuation, particularly gamers seeking faster response times. This means that if you prefer more pronounced feedback and a more deliberate typing experience, the Jupiter Brown is the better choice. On the other hand, if responsiveness is your priority, the Orange Sea offers a more efficient actuation with its shorter span. Ultimately, these distinct travel distances cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences, with the Jupiter Brown being the longer option and the Orange Sea the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide a subtle auditory feedback characteristic of tactile switches, producing a gentle, muted sound that feels pleasant without being overly intrusive. This ties well into their design philosophy of blending tradition with a somewhat modern twist. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer an impeccably smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature, which means that they rely less on audible feedback during key presses. The sound produced by the Haimu Orange Sea is likely to be softer and more uniform, creating a quieter experience overall. However, it's essential to note that the sound produced by both switches can vary depending on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps.

When considering feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches deliver a mild tactile response with a polished finish, enhancing the smoothness of keystrokes and making each press feel refined while still retaining a light tactile bump. The stepped nature of these switches means that users can experience a more gentle transition during key presses, which many find approachable and ergonomic for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches focus solely on providing an immaculate linear feel, characterized by smooth keystrokes that oppose any tactile feedback. This allows for an uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming, appealing particularly to those who prefer quick and fluid movements without the interruptions that come with tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches blend mild tactile feedback with a polished and refined feel, making them suitable for a balanced typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a smooth and quiet linear alternative for users who prefer a more direct keypress without acoustic distractions. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, and your choice should reflect your individual typing style and environment. With each type of switch offering distinct experiences, you're bound to find the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a mild yet polished typing experience, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams makes it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, particularly for typing and productivity tasks where a tactile response can enhance accuracy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter feel with less resistance, the Haimu Orange Sea will likely suit you better. With a bottom out force of just 45 grams, it allows for rapid key presses and is ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing, where speed and fluidity are paramount. Additionally, the quieter sound profile of the Orange Sea might be more appealing in shared environments. Therefore, consider how you value tactile feedback versus smoothness and weight when making your decision. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing experience that enhances your efficiency and enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more