Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Huano Sakura. The Jupiter Brown switches are tactile, blending tradition with modern innovation. They provide a satisfying keystroke experience thanks to their single-stage spring, which results in a medium-heavy weight that many typists appreciate. Known for their polished feel and visually pleasing backlight effects, they strike a balance between reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are linear, offering a feather-light touch that makes them ideal for extended typing sessions. With medium acoustics, they deliver a smoother, quieter experience compared to their tactile counterparts. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your typing style and preferences; whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Browns or the effortless glide of the Sakura, both have unique benefits. 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

Huano Sakura Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and user experience. The Jupiter Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly advantageous for users looking to enhance their RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is characterized by its smoothness and remarkable durability—exhibiting superior shock and wear resistance compared to other plastics. While polycarbonate excels in providing a clear, resonant tone, POK focuses on a smoother typing experience and durability, reflecting two distinct philosophies in switch design.

When examining the bottom housing materials, both the Jupiter Brown and Sakura switches opt for nylon, a classic choice in mechanical switches. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both switches will produce a consistent bottom-out feel and sound, characterized by a rounder and dulled thock when a key is fully pressed. Users will notice comparable performance in terms of the tactile feedback and sound produced upon bottoming out the keys, underscoring that the bottom housing offers consistency in user experience across both switches.

Overall, the differences between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Huano Sakura largely revolve around their top housing materials, while sharing a common choice for the bottoms. The polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Brown promotes a more crisp and high-pitched auditory experience, whereas the POK housing of the Sakura enhances smoothness and durability qualities. However, the nylon base in both switches provides a uniformity in their bottom-out sounds and sensations, suggesting that despite the differences in top materials, users may experience similar overall satisfaction when it comes to the tactile and acoustic characteristics of the bottoming out. This mix of materials allows for a diverse range of results, appealing to various preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sakura has a much lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This means that the Jupiter Brown is significantly heavier than the Sakura, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the lighter Sakura switch is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, allowing for less fatigue. Ultimately, users looking for a more tactile, weighty experience should lean towards the Jupiter Brown, while those favoring a lighter touch should opt for the Sakura.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Jupiter Brown stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura measures a shorter 3.6 mm. This means that the Jupiter Brown offers more depth in its keypress, which some users might prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback experience. On the other hand, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, aligning with the trend among gamers for shorter distances that enable faster actuation. As a result, if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Sakura would be the better choice, whereas the Jupiter Brown might be ideal if you appreciate a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. Overall, the shorter travel distance of the Huano Sakura makes it the more agile option, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown provides a more traditional, tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches provide a unique auditory experience that is a blend of soft thocks and gentle clicks. Their construction allows for a pleasing tactile response without an overwhelming noise level, making them suitable for both casual use and office environments. The medium acoustics of the Huano Sakura linear switch offer a quieter typing experience, as linear switches generally do not produce the distinct clicks associated with tactile or clicky switches. This makes the Sakura ideal for users who prefer a whisper-soft typing experience, especially during longer sessions where distraction needs to be minimized. While both switches can produce a satisfying sound for the typist, the Jupiter Browns lean toward a more traditional sounding profile, whereas the Sakura focuses on muted acoustics. It’s essential to note that sound can be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap materials chosen.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown switches provide a mild and polished experience characterized by a classic tactile bump. Users will notice a gentle, stepped feedback during the keystroke, which offers satisfaction without being overly prominent. This balance enhances the typing experience, making it approachable for many users. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switches excel in providing an ultra-smooth key travel. Without any tactile feedback, they offer a feather-light touch that glides effortlessly to the bottom, which is ideal for rapid typing and gaming without interruption. In this case, the Jupiter Browns cater to those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Sakura appeals to those who favor smoothness and a linear feel. The two switches cater to different preferences, which can significantly influence user satisfaction depending on typing style.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a blend of classic tactile feedback with a mild yet polished feel and a pleasing auditory experience. In comparison, the Huano Sakura linear switch provides a feather-light touch and smooth key travel, along with a quieter sound profile. Both switches excel in their respective categories and provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on whether the user prioritizes tactile response or a smoother, quieter experience in their mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a more classic touch with a medium-heavy resistance, the Jupiter Brown is your go-to option. Its tactile feedback, combined with a polished and stepped feel, will enhance your typing with a more deliberate keystroke, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile sensation during every press. This makes it particularly appealing if you’re writing or coding for long periods, as it provides just enough resistance to prevent accidental key presses while still delivering a comfortable typing experience.

On the other hand, if you favor a feather-light touch for rapid typing and effortless key activations, the Huano Sakura linear switch is the better choice. With its lighter bottom-out force and smooth action, you will experience quick key presses that are less tiring, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quiet yet responsive switch without the tactile bump, making it a great option if you’re looking for a seamless keystroke that allows for fluid movement between keys. Ultimately, consider what feels and sounds best to you: whether you appreciate the rich feedback of tactile switches or the smooth ease of linear ones will guide your perfect switch selection.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more