Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Jupiter Brown stands out for its tactile feel, blending tradition with innovation by providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a linear switch design with a snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Jupiter Brown is known for its reliability and aesthetic appeal, the Piano Pro impresses with its smooth actuation and pleasing tactile experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable when bottoming out a key, providing a satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound.
On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials showcases how different plastics can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro have similar nylon bottom housings that provide a deeper sound profile, their top housing materials differ significantly in terms of sound characteristics. The combination of the nylon bottom housing with either the polycarbonate or nylon top housing results in unique sound profiles for each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the Gateron Jupiter Brown or a deeper, fuller sound with the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Jupiter Brown requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, classifying it as a medium-light switch. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly affect typing and gaming experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the V3 Piano Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may choose the Jupiter Brown for a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. The Jupiter Brown offers a slightly longer keystroke, providing a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for quicker response times and a more tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some users may find the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Brown more comfortable, while others may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro for its speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so the choice between them will depend on individual typing style and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a subtle and traditional typing experience, with a focus on reliability and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy and lively sound signature, adding a crisp quality to each keystroke. The V3 Piano Pro switches maintain a smooth actuation, ensuring an enjoyable tactile experience. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound profile of each switch may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a safe middle-ground zone for most users. The switch features a single-stage spring, resulting in a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation. The Piano Pro switches have a long pole design, contributing to their lively and spring-like feedback when pressed.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Brown provides a reliable and traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy and crisp sound signature alongside a smooth and bouncy typing sensation. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the classic and polished feel of the Jupiter Brown or the lively and creamy experience of the Piano Pro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing force. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience, with a traditional tactile feel and enhanced softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch that offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics you value in a keyboard switch.
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