Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between tactile and linear options can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its classic keystroke feel and moderate resistance, making it ideal for typists who appreciate feedback with each press. With its medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring, the Jupiter Brown strikes a balance between tradition and modern refinement, while its enhanced backlight effects add an aesthetic appeal to your setup. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, favored by gamers and those who prefer a quieter operation. Built with a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, the SU provides a subtle yet deep sound profile, catering to users who value seamless performance. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you cherish tactile responses or a fluid 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and HMX SU switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, with the Jupiter Brown utilizing polycarbonate and the SU employing nylon. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing of the Jupiter Brown contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, primarily due to its stiffer characteristics. This rigidity allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a crisper auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially for setups involving RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through more vividly.
In contrast, the top housing of the HMX SU, made from nylon, creates a noticeably different typing experience. Nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile because of its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics. This results in a rounder and more muted auditory feedback, which may appeal to users seeking a softer touch and an overall quieter typing experience. Unlike the Jupiter Brown's clarity and sharpness, the HMX SU's nylon top promotes a warmer sound, catering to those who prefer a less pronounced auditory response when typing.
Despite these differences in the top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon composition in their bottom housings. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback of both switches will possess similar characteristics, rooted in nylon's ability to absorb sound and provide a pleasant, full typing experience. Consequently, although the sound profiles when releasing the key may differ due to the divergent top housings, the felt response and bottom-out sound remain comparable for both switches due to their shared use of nylon on the bottom. As a result, enthusiasts can expect a blend of sharpness and warmth when typing on both switches, albeit with different upper sound signatures during the actuation phase.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch present contrasting actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a substantial feel that some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel may be ideal for those who type for extended periods, as it requires less force to actuate, potentially reducing fatigue during long work or gaming sessions. Overall, users seeking a heavier, more deliberate keystroke should gravitate towards the Jupiter Brown, while those who enjoy an easier, more fluid typing action might find the HMX SU more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm, to the HMX SU linear switch at 3.6 mm, we see a clear distinction. The Jupiter Brown offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which many users may prefer for a comforting depth in their typing experience. Conversely, the HMX SU switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who seek quicker response times, an advantage often favored by gamers for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference; if you lean towards a traditional, deeper feel, the Jupiter Brown is your ideal choice, while the SU switch enhances responsiveness with its shorter travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 is known for producing a sound profile that complements its milder tactile nature. While its specific sound characteristics aren't detailed, the intent behind the switch is to provide a pleasantly subdued aural feedback, aligning with its gentle keystroke feel. The HMX SU linear switch, on the other hand, delivers a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that is also designed to be pleasant without overpowering your typing experience. However, it’s essential to note that sound can vary notably depending on the keyboard's construction, the choice of keycaps, and the materials used in the build, which means both switches might deliver different auditory impressions based on these factors.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is characterized by its mild tactility, polished smoothness, and a stepped sensation that offers a nice balance of pre-travel feedback without overwhelming the typist. This polished design not only ensures smooth key travel but also creates a refined typing experience that's accessible to most users. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch focuses on a consistent and smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While the specific descriptive qualities of the SU in terms of feel aren't provided, its linear nature indicates a more straightforward actuation that differs from the tactile experience of the Jupiter Brown. Users who prefer a more traditional typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Brown, while those who appreciate the simplicity of linear switches may find the SU more to their liking.
Overall, if you're deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX SU, consider what aspects are most important to your typing experience. The Jupiter Brown’s blend of mild tactility, polished feel, and stepped actuation offers a unique experience suitable for a wide range of typists. Conversely, the HMX SU allows for the smooth, uninterrupted action of linear switches, appealing to those who desire a different typing sensation. Ultimately, while both switches may serve different preferences, they each possess qualities that contribute to a fulfilling and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch should be dictated by your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you appreciate a classic tactile feedback with a heavier feel, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams combined with its polished and mild characteristics makes for a refined typing experience that is enjoyable for long typing sessions or serious gaming. The tactile bump is enough to provide you with confirmation while typing without being overly intrusive, making it ideal for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter keystroke with a subtle and deep sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch may be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams, this switch offers effortless key presses and a more fluid typing experience, which can benefit fast typists or gamers who value speed and responsiveness over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards tactile enjoyment and a heavier key press with the Jupiter Brown or the smoothness and lightness offered by the HMX SU, allowing you to create a keyboard setup that best suits your style.
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