Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. SP-Star Duck

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. The Jupiter Browns offer a more traditional tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, ideal for those who enjoy a classic keystroke feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ducks provide a gentler tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile, making them perfect for users seeking a more subtle typing experience. 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

SP-Star Duck Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Duck, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, the SP-Star Duck sticks with polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This means that the Jupiter Brown will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nylon material, while the Duck maintains a sharper and more resonant sound profile throughout its construction.

The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch results in a varied typing experience. With the Gateron Jupiter Brown, users will feel the impact of the softer nylon bottom housing when pressing down on the keys, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound and feel. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound profile during typing. When releasing a key, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will have a more significant impact on the sound produced. This split in housing materials ensures a unique typing experience for each switch.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Duck utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Gateron Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the SP-Star Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and more resonant sound. This difference in bottom housing materials results in a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the Gateron Jupiter Brown emphasizing a softer feel and sound, and the SP-Star Duck focusing on a crisper and sharper typing experience.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch differ in several ways. The Jupiter Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Duck has an unknown actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a more lightweight option. The Jupiter Brown is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Duck is ideal for users looking for a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a medium level of tactility, but the Jupiter Brown is on the heavier side compared to the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences regardless of which switch is used. Consequently, users can expect to receive similar results in terms of key travel and tactile feedback when using either the Gateron Jupiter Brown or the SP-Star Duck switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Duck switches both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments and preferences. The Jupiter Brown may have a slightly different acoustics due to its design, but overall, you can expect a clean and moderate sound from both switches. When it comes to feel, both switches provide a mild tactile experience that is approachable and comfortable for most users. The Jupiter Brown's stepped switch design may offer a slightly different typing sensation from the Duck's buttery feel, but both switches offer a polished finish with smooth key travel. In conclusion, while there may be subtle differences in sound and feel between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Duck switches, overall, you can expect similar results in terms of a pleasant typing experience with a blend of tradition and innovation.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a more traditional, medium-heavy keystroke feel with a classic tactile feedback, the Jupiter Brown might be the better choice for you. However, if you lean towards a softer, more subtle tactile experience with a cleaner sound profile, the Duck switch would be a great option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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SP-Star Duck Tactile

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more