Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often revolves around preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, stands out with its traditional keystroke feel complemented by a medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring. This switch is designed for users who appreciate a bit of resistance and tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike who value a reliable and polished experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes hall effect technology, providing a unique balance of smoothness and sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking the desirable "thock" sound profile. Its dustproof stem reduces wobble, enhancing the overall typing experience, which some may find more refined and satisfying. Both switches cater to different user experiences, with the Jupiter Brown leaning towards classic tactile feedback and the Sticky Rice (V2) focusing on a smooth, noise-friendly operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), one finds notable similarities and a few key distinctions. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, ensures that the sound generated when typing is crisp and vibrant. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting setups; it allows the light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboard designs. As such, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience from the top housing due to these material characteristics.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, diverges slightly in its impact on sound and feel. Both the Jupiter Brown and the Sticky Rice (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon’s relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a more muted auditory experience when bottoming out. The tonal qualities of the switches are blended as a result of their respective housings; while the polycarbonate top handles the higher frequencies, the nylon bottom provides a softer and rounder sound that enriches the overall typing experience. Therefore, despite having the same materials for the top and bottom housings, the way they influence the switch’s acoustic profile is complementary.
Ultimately, while the Jupiter Brown and the Sticky Rice (V2) share the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a well-rounded sound profile suitable for diverse typing tastes. The shared polycarbonate top results in similar high-pitched sounds, while the nylon bottom creates a rich and deep sound upon bottoming out. As a result, users can find satisfaction in both switches, experiencing an auditory synergy that merges the crispness of the top with the warmth of the bottom. Thus, regardless of the differences in branding or design, those seeking a certain sound profile will find comparable results in both Gateron and Everglide's offerings.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch present a distinct contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its feedback. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a considerably lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where reduced finger fatigue is desired. Ultimately, those who appreciate a lighter feel will gravitate toward the Everglide switch, while those seeking a firmer resistance will find the Gateron switch more satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a tactile switch that requires significant effort, the Jupiter Brown is the go-to, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who favor a gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying typing preferences. The Jupiter Brown switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, offering a more traditional feel that many users appreciate for its hearty depth. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a more responsive choice that appeals to gamers seeking quicker key actuation. While both switches serve their respective audiences well, the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a snappier response, which can feel too abrupt for those who favor the satisfying depth of the Jupiter Brown. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes depth, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is the better option, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) suits those who value a quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 switches emit a gentle, controlled acoustic profile that aligns with their traditionally tactile nature. They produce a mild sound that is easy on the ears, appealing to typists looking for a subtle auditory feedback without the clackiness associated with some other switches. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches deliver a neutral sound signature that leans towards a desirable "thock," which many enthusiasts seek out for a satisfying auditory experience. This difference means that if you prefer a more subdued sound, the Jupiter Brown will be your choice, whereas the Sticky Rice caters to those who enjoy a punchier response while typing. Both sound profiles can be influenced further by the specific keyboard frame and keycap material you decide to use, allowing for customization of your overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown switches are characterized as mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined tactile experience. Their stepped tactile response means that typists can appreciate a gentle bump during keystroke, which combines a pre-travel and post-travel sensation that makes them approachable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches excel in delivering a super smooth keystroke due to their dustproof stem which minimizes wobble. This creates an overall refined tactile sensation that is also designed to enhance performance while offering a balanced typing experience. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying feel, the Jupiter Browns emphasize a traditional tactile approach, whereas the Sticky Rice switches promote a more modern, silky experience.
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches both cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Jupiter Brown is suited for those who appreciate a classic tactile response with mild auditory feedback, while the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to users looking for a refined, smooth feel coupled with a thocky sound. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on your specific preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that can be further fine-tuned with your choice of keyboard and keycap combinations.
Conclusion
In closing, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force and appreciate a more traditional feel in your keystrokes, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent option for you. Its mild and polished characteristics provide a balance of tactile feedback and sound, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a refined tactile sensation and a smooth keystroke, the Sticky Rice (V2) might be the better choice. With its lighter 50-gram force, this switch offers a nuanced "thock" sound and minimizes wobble, making it ideal for those who value a seamless and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and the level of tactile feedback you desire—whether that’s the more classic, robust feel of the Jupiter Brown or the sleek sophistication of the Sticky Rice (V2).