Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown renowned for its blend of traditional feel and modern innovation, features a medium-heavy weight and a classic keystroke experience thanks to its single-stage spring design. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balanced tactile response while also enjoying the visual appeal of enhanced backlight effects. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present a more luxurious typing atmosphere, with a deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out combined with a quieter topping out. This refined auditory experience coupled with a pronounced tactile bump makes the U4Tx an appealing option for users seeking a more immersive and satisfying typing journey. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and preferences, but 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

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches vary significantly in their housing materials, which affects their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and tendency to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, it creates a clearer, more resonant sound, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion, enhancing the visual experience. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, described as softer and conducive to a richer, deeper sound profile. This softness offers a very different auditory feedback, showcasing how differences in materials can alter the sound dynamics considerably.

Examining the bottom housings of the two switches reveals more common ground; both the Jupiter Brown and the U4Tx RGB use nylon and a soft plastic blend respectively, both of which contribute to a fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown absorbs sound more effectively due to its softness, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB’s proprietary blend also embraces a softer characteristic that dampens sound, offering a similar auditory richness. Therefore, despite their contrasting top housing materials, both switches can achieve comparable deep sound profiles at the bottom due to their softer bottom housings, which favor sound absorption and tonal warmth.

Ultimately, when considering the overall performance and feedback generated by these switches, users may find that the sound and feel of each switch are distinctly influenced by the individual properties of their respective materials. The Gateron Jupiter Brown’s polycarbonate top creates a crisp release sound that pairs with the fuller bottom for a blend of clarity and depth. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB relies on its softer top and bottom to maintain a consistent rich sound throughout. When pressing these switches, the effects of their housing materials will each yield a distinctive auditory experience, but users appreciate a more unified deep tone in bottoming out across both models. Thus, while the Jupiter Browns emphasize a sharper sound due to their top housing, the U4Tx RGB provides a profoundly depth-centric experience, showcasing how varying materials cater to different user preferences while also delivering similar results in certain aspects.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we see some interesting distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the U4Tx RGB is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown reaches 70 grams compared to the U4Tx RGB's 65 grams. This makes the Jupiter Brown the heavier switch overall due to its higher actuation force and bottom out force. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended work or gaming sessions might lean towards the U4Tx RGB, given its lower bottom out force, although the unknown actuation force complicates direct comparisons. For those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, the Jupiter Brown provides a heavier feedback with its defined actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional length and provides a heartier depth for users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers seeking faster actuation. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more profound keystroke, the Gateron Jupiter Brown would be the better choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB serves those who appreciate a shorter and potentially more responsive travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches produce a relatively standard acoustic profile typical of tactile switches. Their sound can be characterized by a moderate audible click that punctuates the keypress, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly loud. This makes them suitable for both casual typing and office environments where noise levels need to be kept low. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, on the other hand, provide a more distinct auditory experience. They are known for their deep "thock" when bottoming out, which adds a luxurious and satisfying tone to each keystroke, complemented by a quieter topping out sound. This refined sound profile may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced aural characteristic in their typing experience, while still maintaining some degree of stealth.

Feel-wise, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are designed to offer a mild tactile feedback that creates an approachable typing experience. The combination of a polished finish and a stepped design means that typists can enjoy a smooth and refined keystroke, with a clear yet not overpowering tactile bump that gives confidence in actuation. This makes them versatile for a variety of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present a sharp tactile bump that is more pronounced than that of the Jupiter Browns, delivering a more robust response during each key press. This tactile sensation is combined with a smooth keystroke, providing a luxurious feel that can elevate the typing experience further, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize tactile feedback.

When considering both switches together, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct advantages depending on user preferences. The Jupiter Browns deliver a more traditional tactile experience that balances sound and feel, making them an excellent choice for those who are easing into the world of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switches excel in both sound and tactile feedback, appealing to those who appreciate a refined acoustic profile and a robust tactile sensation. Ultimately, while the Jupiter Browns cater to a wider audience with milder qualities, the U4Tx RGB switches will satisfy users seeking a more luxurious, tactile experience in their typing journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for feel, sound, and aesthetic appeal. If you appreciate a traditional typing experience with a mild tactile response and polished finish, the Jupiter Brown may suit you well, especially given its classic yet innovative design that emphasizes reliability and a comfortable medium-heavy keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a balanced sound profile and a straightforward tactile feedback that blends seamlessly into general typing tasks without being too overwhelming. Conversely, if you're drawn to a more luxurious typing feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a deeper "thock" sound, the U4Tx RGB could be the right choice for you. Its enhanced acoustic profile combined with the quieter topping out feature provides a stealthy yet satisfying experience that might be preferable in quieter environments or for users who favor a more refined feedback. Additionally, if aesthetics and RGB compatibility are significant factors for you, the U4Tx RGB’s design shines, integrating both visual appeal and performance. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, catering to different typing styles and preferences, allowing you to select the one that best aligns with your typing habits and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more