Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf both offer tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. The Jupiter Browns are praised for their combination of tradition and innovation, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a classic keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switches have notoriety for their lack of specific features but still provide tactile feedback. While the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more polished and stepped typing experience, the Maple Leaf switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of its 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches both feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Jupiter Brown's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's top housing is also nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing.
In terms of material differences, the Gateron Jupiter Brown stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Outemu Maple Leaf opts for a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a distinct sound profile that is sharper and crisper, ideal for those looking for enhanced clarity in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing.
When considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout typing, while the difference in top housing materials results in unique sound characteristics for each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 55 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams, while the Maple Leaf needs 65 grams. This makes the Maple Leaf slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown's higher bottom out force may suit individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a balance between responsiveness and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Jupiter Brown requires a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Maple Leaf. The Jupiter Brown falls into the traditional travel distance category, while the Maple Leaf offers a shallower keystroke. Gamers may prefer the Maple Leaf for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10.
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
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks specific information but can be assumed to have its own unique qualities. When it comes to sound, the differences between the two switches are unknown, as sound can be influenced by various factors beyond just the switch itself. The Gateron Jupiter Brown is known for its mild, polished, and stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Without specific information on the Outemu Maple Leaf, it is unclear how its feel compares. Overall, while the specific characteristics of the Outemu Maple Leaf may vary, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying tactile experience for users seeking a blend of tradition and innovation in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, with a classic keystroke feel and enhanced backlight effects, then the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more mild typing experience, then the Maple Leaf could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Choose wisely based on your own preferences and needs.
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