Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Jupiter Browns offer a tactile typing experience with a traditional yet innovative design, providing a medium-heavy keystroke feel thanks to its single-stage spring. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Blacks provide a smooth and quiet typing experience, making them ideal for environments where noise is a concern. While the Jupiter Browns are categorized as mild, polished, stepped, the Silent Ink Blacks are categorized as silky, muted, polished. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's delve 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct features that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate material may be more suitable for users looking for a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Despite the differences in sound characteristics between the bottom housing materials of the two switches, both materials contribute to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
In conclusion, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black may vary, each material brings a unique set of qualities to the switches. The top housing material affects the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown or the thinner and clacky sound of the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Jupiter Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 70 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. This means that while the Jupiter Brown may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, both switches will ultimately provide a similar typing experience once fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Jupiter Brown may be the better option, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect a similar keypress experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of keypress feel, making the decision between the two switches more about the tactile versus linear feel rather than the distance traveled.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 tactile switch offers a classic and clicky sound characteristic of tactile switches. The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, on the other hand, provides a much more muted and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on personal preference, the sound of the switches can greatly affect the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Jupiter Brown and Silent Ink Black switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. The Jupiter Browns provide a mild and polished feel with a medium-heavy weight, while the Silent Ink Black switches offer a silky and polished feel with a cushion-like bottom-out sensation. Both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and reduce keystroke fatigue, making them suitable for long hours of typing.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Silent Ink Black switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Browns are best suited for those who enjoy a more traditional and tactile typing experience with a clicky sound, while the Silent Ink Black switches are perfect for users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing feel. Regardless of which switch you choose, both Gateron options guarantee high-precision molds, reliable performance, and enhanced backlight effects. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether sound or feel is a higher priority for the user.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a traditional tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and classic keystroke feel, the Jupiter Brown is a great choice. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your typing environment.
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