Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Everglide Rice Pudding each offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences and experiences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that combines traditional keystroke familiarity with modern enhancements, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring that provides satisfying feedback. Its design incorporates high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, appealing to users who appreciate both reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch stands out with its innovative hall effect design, delivering a smooth operation paired with a deep sound that enhances the tactile experience. These switches cater to enthusiasts not only for their satisfying key feel but also for their compatibility with Wooting’s advanced keyboards, adding an extra layer of versatility. Whether you're drawn to the classic touch of the Gateron Jupiter Brown or the modern benefits of the Everglide Rice Pudding, each switch presents unique merits worth considering. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, it is noteworthy that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity in material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of sound, providing users with an auditory feedback that is both satisfying and clean. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. Both switches will exhibit these characteristics, leading to a comparable experience in terms of sound and lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Jupiter Brown and Rice Pudding switches both employ nylon, leading to distinct differences in sound profiles. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory response compared to the top housing. Typing on either switch thus brings a rounder and more subdued bass-like quality to the experience, especially during key bottoming-out. While the top housing contributes to the crispness of the sound when releasing the key, the nylon bottom housing's characteristics really shine through when the switch is engaged. This duality in material choices harmonizes the acoustic experience, yet each housing uniquely contributes to the overall sound signature of its respective switch.
Overall, while both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Everglide Rice Pudding switches incorporate polycarbonate for the top housing, their nylon bottom housings create a unified synergy of sound and feel that further enriches the typing experience. This careful balancing of materials leads to a distinctive yet complementary auditory environment: users can expect a crisp and resonant sound profile from the top while enjoying a deeper, fuller sound from the bottom. Thus, even though these switches employ different housing combinations, they foster a cohesive typing experience, delivering a range of auditory properties that enthusiasts value in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences arise that cater to varied typing preferences. The Jupiter Brown requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, needing 70 grams to bottom out, which offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Rice Pudding offers a more effortless experience, whereas the Jupiter Brown's heavier resistance might appeal to those who prefer a firmer touch. Overall, individuals should choose the switch that aligns with their desired typing experience—lighter for comfort or heavier for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distances highlights the preferences between more traditional and modern switch designs. The Jupiter Brown, with its longer 4 mm distance, offers a more substantial feel during key presses, which some users may appreciate for a deeper and more tactile engagement. Conversely, the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, aligning with the trend of shorter travel distances favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more robust typing experience, the Jupiter Brown may be the preferable choice, while the Rice Pudding is ideal for those desiring quicker responses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switches are known for their moderate auditory profile, providing a well-rounded sound that is not overly loud yet gives satisfying acoustic feedback during typing. The sound is characterized by a deeper tone that suits a variety of settings without being too disruptive. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their deep sound that offers a distinct rumble with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience with a richer acoustic signature. Both switches contribute to a pleasant ambiance that may be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are described as mild and stepped, offering a gentle typing experience that feels approachable to most users. The two-stage tactile feedback allows for a careful distinction in the keystroke, with pre-travel and post-travel sensations that make typing both enjoyable and accurate. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switches are designed for smooth operation but do not have the same clear tactile steps, leading to a fluid keystroke that can be described as consistent and precise. This smoothness may appeal to users preferring an uninterrupted typing experience over the tactile nuances of stepped switches.
In summary, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide unique experiences, with the Jupiter Browns focusing on a mild and tactile feedback while delivering a pleasant sound, and the Rice Pudding switches emphasizing smoothness paired with a deeper auditory presence. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback versus a fluid typing sensation, either switch could deliver a satisfying experience. Ultimately, your choice might come down to whether you value the rich acoustic quality and smoothness of the Rice Pudding or the classic tactile feedback and balanced sound of the Jupiter Brown.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a more traditional and medium-heavy keystroke that balances a tactile feel with a degree of resistance, the Jupiter Brown is likely to be your ideal option. Its mild and stepped tactile feedback provides a gentle yet noticeable typing experience, making it suitable for both typing tasks and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother operation, the Rice Pudding switch may be more your speed. With its lower actuation force of 48 grams, it caters to those who prioritize rapid key presses and fluid feedback, making it great for fast-paced gaming and extended typing sessions. Additionally, if you value acoustics and are drawn to deeper sound profiles, the Rice Pudding's unique offering may enhance your overall keyboard experience. Thus, consider your typing style, preferred resistance level, and the specific applications for which you will use your keyboard to make the most informed decision.