Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, offers a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, presenting a medium-heavy keystroke with a satisfying tactile bump that provides clear feedback without being overly noisy. Its classic design is complemented by high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, making it an appealing option for both gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive touch. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is a linear switch renowned for its smooth keystrokes and deep, satisfying "thock" sound, creating a typing experience that is both engaging and quiet. This all-POM switch prioritizes fluidity, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a seamless typing flow. While the Jupiter Brown excels in tactile feedback and aesthetic sophistication, the WS POM+ stands out with its buttery-smooth execution and satisfying acoustics. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, notable differences emerge in both the top and bottom housing components. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced during key presses and releases. In stark contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound. While polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, POM's benefits lie in its ability to deliver a distinct and unique auditory experience that appeals to those seeking a more subdued sound profile.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals further differences in sound characteristics. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This contrasts with the POM bottom housing of the WS POM+, which similarly offers a pleasing and unique sound profile. Both materials contribute to a deeper sound, but the nylon may produce slightly more resonance compared to POM's muted characteristics. As a result, the impact of each bottom housing is felt during the bottoming-out phase, emphasizing the importance of the specific material used in this area of the switch design.
Ultimately, even with the contrasting materials used in the top and bottom housings of these two switches, they can still yield similar overall results when it comes to the sound and feel during use. While the Gateron Jupiter Brown is likely to deliver a sharper sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top, the depth contributed by both the nylon bottom and the POM bottom housing styles can create a fullness that unites their performance. For users seeking a satisfying typing experience, the unique qualities of each switch’s construction will play a vital role in shaping their preferences. Thus, while differing in specifics, both switches can appeal to those who appreciate nuanced sound profiles, demonstrating that the core qualities of successful switch design can manifest in various materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Brown switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a firmer push feel. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, those who prioritize lighter switches will gravitate towards the WS POM+, while those appreciating a heavier switch will find the Jupiter Brown more fitting. The differences in force suggest that if you're looking for a more gentle typing experience, the WS POM+ would be the better choice, while the Jupiter Brown caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which may cater to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch's 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the modern trend of shorter responses, appealing particularly to gamers seeking quicker key actuation and faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the WS POM+ would be the better choice, while the Jupiter Brown is ideal for those who favor a deeper, more tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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
When considering sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a balanced and refined auditory experience. While specific sound characteristics weren’t detailed, tactile switches like the Jupiter Browns typically produce a softer, muted sound profile compared to more pronounced clicky options. This makes them less intrusive, providing a pleasant background noise suitable for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is known for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, which can be perceived as more resonant and impactful when typing. The sound of this switch elevates the auditory experience, appealing to users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback without the harshness associated with clicky switches.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown switch is characterized as a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Its polished nature, stemming from either superior material quality or factory lubrication, minimizes friction and enhances smooth key travel. Moreover, the stepped tactile feedback provides a noticeable but not overwhelming bump in the keystroke, creating a sense of stage in the pressing action without being overly aggressive. The WS POM+ switch, while its specific tactile feedback wasn't described, is likely to provide a fairly smooth experience given its all-POM construction, which typically contributes to reduced friction and an effortless typing feel. Users may still find the linear nature of the WS POM+ provides a different typing dynamic compared to the tactile response of the Jupiter Brown.
In conclusion, both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Gateron Jupiter Brown excels in delivering a mild and polished tactile experience with a less intrusive sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a subtle typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ offers a more resonant sound profile and smooth linear keystrokes, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper auditory feedback without the tactile bumps. This consideration of sound and feel highlights that, while both switches serve different user preferences, they each provide a satisfying typing experience suited to their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a clear but mild bump during key press, along with a heavier actuation force that can give you a more robust typing experience, the Jupiter Brown will likely suit you well. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a traditional keystroke feel with added visual flair thanks to its softer backlighting support. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, linear action that minimizes resistance, the WS POM+ might be the better choice for you. Its buttery-smooth keystroke and deep "thock" sound signature cater to individuals who enjoy a more fluid typing experience, especially for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions. In the end, your choice should align with whether you value tactile feedback and a medium-heavy force or seek the silky smoothness and lightness of a linear switch.