Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, while the Yanyu is a linear switch known for its delicate typing experience and crisp sound profile. The Jupiter Browns are praised for their blend of tradition and innovation, high-precision molds, and softer backlight effects, making them a reliable and visually appealing choice. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for those who type for long periods of time and prefer a more subtle and polished typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Yanyu both utilize unique housing materials for their switches, with the Jupiter Brown featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Yanyu uses a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Brown creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for those looking for a higher-pitched sound with RGB lighting capabilities. In contrast, the Yanyu's unique blend offers a pleasant and bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp. However, both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offer a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but brighter in tone. Despite both switches having different bottom housing materials, they each contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when typing on them.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Yanyu will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The Jupiter Brown offers a stiffer polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, paired with a softer nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Yanyu uses a unique blend for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a pleasant and brighter sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper or brighter sound, both switches provide distinct characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown is the heavier of the two. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Yanyu has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is considerably lighter. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Yanyu for extended typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Jupiter Brown for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it can be noted that they offer the same distance for users to press down on when typing. This means that whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Yanyu, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent tactile or linear experience, depending on personal preference, without any notable difference in the distance traveled by the switch during use. Therefore, when it comes to travel distance, both the Jupiter Brown and the Yanyu offer the same level of key press response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
The Jupiter Brown switch is known for its traditional single-stage spring design, providing a medium-heavy keystroke feel, while the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. When it comes to sound, the Jupiter Brown switch gives a neutral sound, while the Yanyu switch produces a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying. However, the actual sound produced by either switch can vary depending on external factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Jupiter Brown and Yanyu switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Jupiter Brown switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, while the Yanyu switch is also polished for smooth key travel. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is noted for its feathery feel, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Brown switch provides a classic tactile keystroke with a medium-heavy feel, the Yanyu switch offers a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a neutral or thocky sound, or a polished and feathery feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for users looking for reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it's important to consider personal preferences and external factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction when selecting the right switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preference for key weight and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with a classic feel and enhanced backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light key press with a delicate typing experience and a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch is a great option, especially for long periods of typing. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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