Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Weightlessness both offer tactile experiences, yet they cater to distinct preferences. The Jupiter Brown switches are celebrated for their blend of tradition and innovation, featuring a medium-heavy single-stage spring that delivers a classic keystroke with a polished touch. Their high-precision molds not only enhance performance but also contribute to softer backlight effects, adding to their aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a more subtle to moderate tactile feedback, creating a balanced sound profile that complements their gentle feel. With these differences in tactile response and sound characteristics, users may find one switch better suited to their typing style or gaming needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, the most notable difference lies in the top housing. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucence, leading to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice when RGB lighting is involved, as the clear material allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the Weightlessness uses a nylon top housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, resulting in a sound profile that is notably deeper and fuller. This difference in materials means that users can expect a distinct auditory experience when pressing the keys—the Jupiter Brown will resonate more sharply, while the Weightlessness will produce a more muted sound.

As for the bottom housings, both the Jupiter Brown and the Weightlessness utilize nylon. This decision creates a uniformity in how the two switches feel at the bottom-out point, as nylon is known to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials, the locations of sound production still share a common outcome. This means that both switches can provide a rounded and muted feel, allowing for a consistent level of acoustics, particularly during the act of key bottoming out. Thus, users can expect a fuller sound profile from both switches when pressed down, stemming from the nylon material utilized in the bottom housing.

In summary, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Jupiter Brown and Weightlessness switches significantly impact their overall sound profiles. The polycarbonate top of the Jupiter Brown results in a more vibrant and crisp sound, while the nylon top of the Weightlessness softens the auditory experience, making it deeper and rounder. However, both switches share a commonality with their nylon bottom housing, which provides a consistent bottoming feel while absorbing sound, ultimately harmonizing the auditory experience upon key depression. Thus, while users may experience different sounds on key release, both switches maintain a similar feel when bottoming out.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jupiter Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Weightlessness has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This suggests that the Weightlessness may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter key feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is reported as unavailable, making it impossible to provide a direct comparison in this regard. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Thus, if you prefer a lighter overall feel, the Weightlessness is the preferable choice, while the Jupiter Brown accommodates those looking for a bit more weight in both its actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and provides a more substantial tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a deeper, more responsive feel when typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who favor quicker keystrokes often sought after by gamers for enhanced response times. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more pronounced actuation and tactile depth, the Jupiter Brown is the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Meanwhile, if you lean towards speed and efficiency in your typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness will likely suit your needs better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch produces a sound profile that is relatively balanced, aligning well with its traditional keystroke feel. This contributes to a classic typing experience that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for both office environments and home use. The Gateron Weightlessness switch also features a balanced sound profile, which complements its tactile characteristics. The sound produced by both switches can vary depending on the specific keyboard construction and keycap materials, but users can generally expect a pleasant and unobtrusive sound with either switch.

When discussing feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is characterized by a mild tactile response that offers an approachable typing experience for a wide range of users. It benefits from a polished finish that enhances smooth key travel and reduces friction, greatly contributing to its refined feel. Additionally, the stepped design offers distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations, resulting in a nuanced typing experience. The Gateron Weightlessness switch, while also being tactile, provides a subtle to moderate feel, though specific descriptors regarding its tactile feedback characteristics remain unknown. This suggests a more understated typing experience compared to the Jupiter Brown, which might appeal to users who prefer less pronounced tactile sensations.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches provide unique yet enjoyable experiences. While the Jupiter Brown is known for its mild, polished, and stepped tactile qualities, the Weightlessness offers a more subtle tactile feel that might attract those who favor a gentler response. The sound profiles of both provide a balanced auditory experience suitable for various typing contexts. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a well-rounded switch, the Jupiter Brown offers slightly more defined qualities, while the Weightlessness might cater to those seeking a minimalist approach. Choosing between them will ultimately come down to personal preference in feel and tactile response.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more traditional and robust typing experience, the Jupiter Brown’s medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback that is both polished and mild, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without feeling too strenuous. This switch is particularly ideal if you enjoy a classic keystroke feel combined with enhanced aesthetics, like softer backlight effects. On the other hand, if you lean towards a subtle tactile feel with a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch could be your best bet, especially if you appreciate a gentler touch in your typing experience. Its understated tactile feedback caters well to both typing and gaming, allowing for a smooth yet satisfying interaction with your keyboard. Therefore, consider what kind of feedback and resistance you desire as you make your choice, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your personal typing style and the specific tasks you engage in on your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more