Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its classic keystroke feel enhanced by a single-stage spring and a medium-heavy weight, making it ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable bump with each keystroke. Its high-precision molds contribute to a polished aesthetic, making it a visually appealing choice for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g presents a linear typing experience designed for those who value a quieter environment. With a feather-light bottom-out force of just 43g, these switches cater to users who prefer a smoother, nearly silent operation, much like the soothing sound of rain. Both switches provide unique advantages—whether you cherish tactile feedback or seek a serene and muted typing atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, creating distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among users. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic results from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, enhancing clarity and resonance when the key is released. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound and provide a deeper, fuller typing experience. Thus, while the Jupiter Brown's top housing emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Silent Sakura's top housing leans towards a more subdued auditory experience, reflecting the inherent qualities of the materials used.

When examining the bottom housings of these switches, a distinguishing trend emerges that is essentially a reversal of the top housings. The Jupiter Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which adds depth and softness to its sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder tone at the moment the key bottoms out. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g's bottom housing is crafted from polycarbonate, producing a sharper and crisper sound with a pronounced clarity. This duality in materials not only influences the sound output but also contributes to the overall feel of each switch. As a result, while both switches share the commonality of nylon or polycarbonate material in each housing, the differences in placement lead to unique auditory experiences during key actuation and release.

In conclusion, the combination of housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches portrays a rich contrast in auditory and tactile feedback. While both switches exhibit qualities typical of their respective materials, the shifting roles of the top and bottom housings significantly impact their sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top alongside its nylon bottom delivers a brighter and fuller sound experience during key release and bottoming out, whereas the Silent Sakura's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom provide a softer, quieter experience. Users seeking distinct sound characteristics can achieve similar results by carefully considering the interplay of housing materials in their keyboard switches, underscoring the importance of both the chosen materials and their placement in crafting the desired typing experience.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to users seeking a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. As a result, those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue during extended use may prefer the Silent Sakura switch, while those who appreciate a firmer key press may opt for the Jupiter Brown. Overall, the Jupiter Brown is the heavier switch, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, offering distinct tactile experiences suited to different user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, both switches exhibit identical specifications, with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that regardless of the switch type—whether tactile or linear—users can expect a similar experience in terms of how far the key travels down when pressed. Hence, for those seeking key switches that provide a comparable keystroke feel, opting for either the Jupiter Brown or the Silent Sakura - 43g will yield equivalent results in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch produces a moderate and satisfying tactile thock, characterized by a blend of quiet yet firm feedback. Its design ensures it doesn’t become overly loud, making it a suitable choice for both quiet environments and office settings. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch provides an incredibly muted experience, offering a whisper-soft sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This switch is specifically designed for silence, making it ideal for users who need a peaceful typing environment without disturbing others. Both switches are influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, but their inherent sound profiles set them apart.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown switch strikes a balance with its mild and polished characteristics, delivering a smooth typing experience coupled with a gentle tactile bump. This makes it approachable for a broader range of typists who prefer a more traditional feel without extremes. The stepped tactile nature further enhances the typing experience by providing subtle feedback throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch features an ultra-light bottom-out force, which lends itself to a seamless upward motion, making it feel almost effortless. However, it lacks the tactile feedback that defines the Jupiter Brown, resulting in a more linear and smooth experience throughout the key press.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Brown's tactile feedback and moderate sound make it a great fit for those who enjoy the tactile experience of typing without the noise, while the Silent Sakura's ultra-light touch and whisper-quiet operation are perfect for those prioritizing a serene environment. Choosing between these two switches will largely depend on whether you prefer a tactile bump or a smoother, linear experience, but both can provide satisfying results tailored to distinct typing styles.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a more tactile feel with a moderate to heavy resistance, the Jupiter Brown is a solid choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying tactile response, making it excellent for typists who enjoy the feedback of a pronounced keystroke. This could be particularly beneficial for those who type frequently and want a switch that encourages accuracy while still being approachable due to its polished nature. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and a lighter keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 43g would be ideal. With a light 43-gram bottom-out force, these switches are designed for comfort and minimal sound, making them perfect for quiet work environments or late-night typing sessions. The smoothness of the linear action allows for fluid typing, which is particularly favorable for gamers or typists looking for rapid key presses without the distraction of noise. Thus, your choice should reflect not just your typing style but also the noise level and tactile feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more