Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that combines traditional keystroke feedback with modern technology, featuring a medium-heavy weight and a unique single-stage spring design that provides a satisfying 'bump' feel during typing. Its high-precision molds not only enhance performance but also allow for softer backlight effects, making it an aesthetically pleasing option for typists who enjoy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines as a linear switch, emphasizing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for gamers or writers who prioritize fluidity in their typing experience. With its thocky sound profile and medium weight, it breaks the price barrier while delivering premium quality. While both switches have their merits, choosing one ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. 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

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we see that the two switches feature different compositions that impact their sound profiles significantly. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound due to its rigidity. This material’s translucency also makes it a favorable choice for users who want to highlight RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which produces a deeper, more muted sound profile. The differences between these two materials create distinct auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Brown favoring a brighter and crisper note while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a softer and more subdued tone.

Looking at the bottom housing, both switches also demonstrate how different materials can affect sound and feel during use. The Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and contributing to a deeper sound profile. The Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, also utilizes POM for its bottom housing. POM is known for producing unique sound characteristics similar to nylon but focuses more on enhancing the muted quality of the sound. This means both switches utilize different materials for the top housing but default to POM for the bottom, which further emphasizes the deeper sound quality for the Sea Salt Smoothie while adding fullness to the sound produced by the nylon in the Jupiter Brown.

Ultimately, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie feature different top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and POM for the latter—their bottom housing materials align as both utilize POM. This commonality allows for some level of crossover in auditory outcomes, especially regarding the muffled quality of sound each can produce due to the properties of their bottom housings. While the differences in top housing materials create varying sound dynamics during key release, the POM bottom housing in both switches ensures that the deeper undertones remain prominent, reinforcing how the materials interact with one another to create a well-rounded typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, with an actuation force of 48 grams. Consequently, the Jupiter Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out forces, the Jupiter Brown's bottom out force is rated at 70 grams, indicating how firmly it must be pressed down for the switch to register. The bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie, however, is unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience for long sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be the better choice, while the Jupiter Brown is suited for users who favor a heftier keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Jupiter Brown offers a more pronounced keypress experience, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its reduced travel distance, provides a snappier response ideal for fast-paced tasks or gaming, where quicker actuation is crucial. Consequently, if you are looking for a switch with a more substantial feel, the Jupiter Brown would be the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who favor a more rapid and responsive keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is characterized by a subtle, muted tactile bump that provides a pleasant auditory feedback without being overwhelming. This results in a gently thocky sound that is classic and fitting for various environments, allowing for a satisfying typing experience without echoing loudly in a quiet room. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie produces a distinctly thocky sound that is more pronounced, creating an auditory experience that appeals to those who appreciate a more resonant sound while typing. Both switches offer their unique sound qualities, but the Jupiter Brown is milder, making it more versatile, especially if noise is a concern.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown switch excels with a mild tactile response that gives users a gentle yet noticeable feedback during each keystroke. Its polished finish contributes to a smooth keystroke, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience. The stepped design of this switch allows for a more approachable tactile sensation, making it accommodating for users transitioning to mechanical keyboards. Conversely, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie is primarily defined by its smoothness; as a linear switch, it lacks the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown but compensates with a seamlessly fluid keypress that many enthusiasts find highly enjoyable. The absence of any disruptive tactile bump allows for rapid key presses and an uninterrupted flow, catering to those who prefer a more straightforward typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Sea Salt Smoothie switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Jupiter Brown offers a mild tactile bump with a classic sound that is pleasing yet unobtrusive, ideal for everyday typing and varied environments. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its smooth actuation and pronounced thocky sound, appealing to those who prioritize a fluid keypress sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on your personal preference for sound and feel—whether you favor a tactile response with moderate sound or a smooth, linear experience with a robust auditory profile.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience that offers a more classic feel, the Jupiter Brown may be your best bet. Its medium-heavy actuation force ensures satisfying feedback without being overly exhausting for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for those who enjoy typing with a subtle tactile bump that still feels refined. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the perfect switch for you. Its linear design caters to those who prioritize fluidity and silence, allowing for fast-paced typing or gaming without the tactile interruptions of a traditional switch—perfect for gamers and typists looking for a seamless glide. In the end, consider your typing habits, whether you prefer the tactile engagement of the Jupiter Browns or the silky smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothies, as each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more