Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences for users. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that showcases a blend of tradition and innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its whisper-quiet topping-out sound and smooth typing experience. While the Jupiter Brown is praised for its reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique combination of quiet operation and silky smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a consistent and visually appealing experience for users who prioritize sound and aesthetics.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of housing material for the bottom. The Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This variation in bottom housing material can distinctly impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a different auditory experience. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch sound profiles can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Jupiter Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Jupiter Brown at 70 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams, both falling into the medium category. The Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown switch. The 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can play a role in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Semi-Silent Linear switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel might lean towards the Jupiter Brown switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their minor difference in travel distance, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a traditional tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight keystroke, resulting in a satisfying clack while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile, characterized by a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. This subtle sound signature makes it a great choice for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Ultimately, the sound experience of each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet refined feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch also offers a mild feel, along with a snappy and buttery typing sensation that is super responsive and smooth. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Jupiter Brown leaning towards a classic and reliable feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more innovative and smooth keystroke.
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Brown provides a more traditional tactile experience with a satisfying clack sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a subdued sound profile and a smooth, responsive typing feel. Depending on personal preference and the specific use case, either switch can provide a enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches showcase the advancements and variety available in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a classic keystroke feel and a medium-heavy weight, the Gateron Jupiter Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a silky smooth feel, a semi-silent operation, and a medium bottom out force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be the better option. Consider your typing preferences, noise tolerance, and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and aesthetics, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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