Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two prominent options are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Poro. The Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, elegantly marries tradition with innovation through its single-stage spring design, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. Its tactile bump offers satisfying feedback, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more engaged typing experience while benefiting from high-precision molds and softer backlight effects that add a visually pleasing element to the keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Poro is a linear switch that excels in smoothness, featuring meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide with every keystroke. Those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience will find the Poro's poppy and clacky sound profile a delightful addition to their setup, complemented by its ultra-light actuation force that appeals to rapid typists and gamers alike. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the silky smoothness of the Poro—making them versatile choices for distinct typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Poro switches, a notable difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Jupiter Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity and transparency. This choice results in a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates well, especially when RGB lighting is employed due to the translucence of polycarbonate. This characteristic not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a more lively auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, yielding a duller and rounder auditory result. Thus, while the Jupiter Brown offers clarity and brightness, the Poro emphasizes warmth and depth.
On the other hand, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. The nylon used in the Jupiter Brown and Poro switches provides a consistent acoustic experience, as both contribute to a deeper sound profile during typing. This implies that when engaging with either switch, the characteristics derived from the bottom housing enhance the bottom-out sound, fostering a rounder feel that is similar across both switches. Since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a uniform typing experience in that regard, regardless of the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the distinct nature of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch creates a nuanced sound signature. The Jupiter Brown’s polycarbonate top provides clarity and resonance, while the nylon bottom ensures a fuller sound at bottom-out. In contrast, the Poro uses nylon throughout, leading to a more homogeneous sound experience that favors a deeper tone overall. Therefore, although users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience from the nylon components in both switches, the differences in the top housings will result in distinct auditory profiles that cater to varied preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial feel and may suit users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentle touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Jupiter Brown is heavier, providing a more tactile feedback, while the Poro is lighter, which could facilitate longer use without fatigue. Therefore, users would likely choose the Jupiter Brown for a robust feel and the Poro for a more effortless keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more classic and robust feel that many typists and gamers appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time, which is particularly favored in gaming scenarios. While both switches offer a distinctly different experience, the Jupiter Brown's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, whereas the Poro's slightly shorter distance could feel more responsive for those who prioritize speed. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference between a hearty, deeper feel and a snappier, more agile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is generally characterized by a quiet yet distinct thock when bottomed out; this sound is more subtle compared to louder linear or clicky switches. The switches provide a balanced auditory experience that is pleasant for both typing and gaming without being overly loud, making them suitable for a shared workspace. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound. This switch, due to its ultra-light actuation force, produces a smoother sound when keys are pressed, providing a more seamless experience with each keystroke. However, the overall sound profile of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is designed for a mild and polished typing experience. It features a stepped tactile bump that provides a recognizable tactile feedback without being too aggressive, appealing to those who prefer a gentle but effective keystroke. Users can expect smooth key travel facilitated by factory lubrication, resulting in minimal friction. The HMX Poro switch, on the other hand, is focused on delivering a smooth glide with its meticulously lubricated linear design. The absence of tactile feedback means users will experience uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for those who enjoy fluid motion while typing or gaming. The contrasting tactile experience between the two means that while the Jupiter Brown provides a tactile sensation, the Poro emphasizes smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Poro switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Jupiter Brown excels in providing a balanced auditory and tactile experience, suitable for users who favor a more traditional typing feel. Conversely, the HMX Poro prioritizes a smoother and quieter operation ideal for those who value seamless keystrokes. Ultimately, the right choice depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel, but either switch can be great for different typists or gamers depending on what qualities they prioritize.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more traditional typing experience with a noteworthy tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice. Its mild and polished feel, along with its subtle yet satisfying sound, caters well to those who appreciate a balance between feedback and comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you desire a faster, lighter feel with ultra-smooth keystrokes, the HMX Poro's 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for gaming or rapid typing. The Poro's effortlessly lubricated mechanism allows for a silent glide that is perfect for those who prioritize speed and a quieter environment. Moreover, its poppy and clacky sound profile enhances the experience for users who enjoy auditory feedback without the bulk that tactile switches provide. In summary, whether you lean toward the tactile satisfaction of the Jupiter Brown or the silky smoothness of the HMX Poro will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or a clearer, lighter keystroke.