Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy actuation, appealing to those who value comfort and reliability in their typing experience. Its single-stage spring design is complemented by high-precision molds and aesthetically pleasing softer backlight effects, making it a great choice for traditionalists seeking both performance and style. In contrast, the WS Dash features a hall effect mechanism that delivers a bright, clacky sound signature and an incredibly smooth keystroke, enticing users who appreciate modern innovations in keyboard technology. The refined re-coloring of the Magnetic Jade aesthetics adds a unique flair, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts looking to elevate their setup. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their top housing construction, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily owed to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance during key presses. Moreover, the translucent quality of the polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making both switches aesthetically appealing for users who enjoy illuminated keyboards. Consequently, users can expect similar sonic characteristics and visual enhancements from the top housing of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Jupiter Brown and WS Dash switches is constructed from nylon, a well-regarded material in the keyboard enthusiast community. The nylon imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience, contrasting sharply with the top housing's more pronounced sound. As nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it is better at sound absorption, which results in a duller and rounder auditory sensation when the key bottoms out. This distinctive difference is essential when considering the overall tactile experience, as the bottom housing creates a foundation for the acoustic properties of each respective switch.
While the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the division of sound profiles allows for a unique blend of acoustic qualities. The effect of the polycarbonate top housing coincides with the nylon bottom housing to create a balanced sound experience—clear and resonant when the key is released, and deeper and more cushioned when it bottoms out. Therefore, although there are contrasting materials in their construction, the combination of these properties ultimately results in switches that deliver rich and engaging auditory experiences, appealing to a broad range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces is observed. The Jupiter Brown features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, the Jupiter Brown is the heavier option, while the WS Dash is the lighter one. For users seeking a keyboard that minimizes fatigue during long-term use, the WS Dash would be the preferable choice due to its lower forces, while the Jupiter Brown would appeal more to those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The Jupiter Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and appealing to those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the WS Dash features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter and may cater to gamers seeking faster response times. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the shorter travel distance of the WS Dash may feel more abrupt to some users, while the Jupiter Brown provides a more traditional and hearty experience. This contrast allows users to choose based on their personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switches produce a subtle and muted auditory signature that complements their tactile nature, making them suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Their sound profile is characterized by a gentle thock on actuation, which balances well against the tactile feedback, creating an unobtrusive yet satisfying auditory response. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switches generate a noticeably bright and clacky sound signature, providing a more assertive auditory experience. This distinct sound is primarily due to the unique mechanism at work in Hall Effect switches, which can create a crisper, more pronounced feedback on each keystroke, likely appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. Their tactile nature is engineered to deliver a gentle response during use, allowing typists to enjoy a smooth keystroke without overwhelming tactile feedback. The stepped tactile feel ensures that users can detect the actuation point without being thrown off by a highly pronounced bump, resulting in an approachable experience for most users. In contrast, the feel of the WS Dash switches is unknown, but given their distinct sound signature, it can be inferred that they may offer a different tactile response characteristic of Hall Effect technology. This could range from silky smoothness to more pronounced actuation feedback, depending on their design details.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches present different yet inviting characteristics for users looking to enhance their typing experience. The Jupiter Brown is well-suited for those who prefer a more subtle sound and a mild tactile feedback, making it a versatile choice for a variety of settings. Conversely, the WS Dash switches stand out with their bright sound and potentially unique feel, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, both of which will shape your overall experience with the keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and what you aim to get from your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a more traditional typing feel with a mild tactile feedback combined with a polished and smooth keystroke, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams that provides a solid and reassuring resistance as you type. This makes it well-suited for those who like a bit of weight in their keys, which can aid in preventing accidental presses during intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch and a more dynamic typing experience, the WS Dash, with its medium-light 55-gram actuation force, will be more appealing. The bright, clacky sound signature paired with a silky smooth keystroke allows for fast, fluid typing that's ideal for gaming or rapid content creation where you might prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—whether you lean towards the classic reliability and tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the modern, refined sensation and lightweight convenience offered by the WS Dash.