Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer a tactile typing experience, but with distinctive characteristics. The Jupiter Brown provides a more traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, ideal for those who appreciate a classic typing experience with a touch of innovation. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a unique thuddy and punchy sound profile, coupled with a pronounced tactility that adds flair to your typing sessions. While the Jupiter Brown is described as mild, polished, and stepped, the Viola Tricolor is categorized as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches are likely to offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.

However, the bottom housings of the Jupiter Brown and the Viola Tricolor differ, with the Jupiter Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience for users of both switches. While the top housing may impact the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase a blend of materials in their housing designs to offer distinct typing experiences. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown's sharper, crisper sound may appeal to those looking for a more precise typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor's deeper and fuller sound could be preferred by users seeking a rounder, more absorbent typing feel. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute to their overall performance and sound characteristics, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Brown is the heavier option. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the Viola Tricolor may have a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the Jupiter Brown, both switches provide a similar level of resistance and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Viola Tricolor may be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Viola Tricolor being on the shorter end and the Jupiter Brown being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Viola Tricolor for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches provide a traditional and classic typing experience, with a focus on reliable performance and softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a distinct thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing, without being overly tactile. Depending on your preference, the Jupiter Browns may offer a quieter and smoother sound profile, while the Viola Tricolors provide a deeper and richer sound with a bass-heavy tone.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown switches are characterized by a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel suitable for most users. These switches provide a safe middle-ground zone with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer an invigorating and accented tactile experience, providing pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. Users can enjoy a satisfying tactile sensation without it being overwhelming or subtle.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches focus on blending tradition with innovation, offering a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. With high-precision molds and enhanced softer backlight effects, these switches provide a reliable performance with aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches strike a balance between sharp tactility and a satisfying feedback, delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a pleasant and customizable typing experience with either option.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the weight of the bottom out force and the unique characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a slightly heavier keystroke and a more classic feel with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, pronounced tactility, and a balance between sharp sensation and user comfort, the Viola Tricolor could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more