Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX KD200 offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, thanks to its single-stage spring, which provides a medium-heavy actuation force. This switch excels for users who appreciate a seamless and consistent typing experience, featuring high-precision molds and softer backlight effects that enhance aesthetics during use, thus making it an ideal choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a unique sonic feedback that can heighten the tactile experience for users seeking a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. While the Jupiter Red may cater to those who prefer a polished and creamy feel, the KD200 appeals to those who enjoy an audible response during their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX KD200 switches create distinct acoustic profiles due to their differences in top housing compositions. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can resonate sharply, making it especially beneficial for those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX KD200 utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a more muted auditory experience, resulting in a rounder and less sharp feedback. Therefore, while the Jupiter Red enhances clarity and responsiveness, the KD200 offers a more subdued and smooth typing sensation.
When analyzing the bottom housings of both switches, it's noteworthy that both the Jupiter Red and the KD200 utilize nylon. This means they share similar characteristics in creating sound profiles at the bottom of the switch. The nylon material, being softer, helps to absorb sound and dampen vibrations, ensuring a smooth and consistent keypress experience. As a result, both switches, despite their different top housing materials, can achieve a comparable bottom-out sound and feel due to the shared nylon housing at the bottom. This underlines the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the overall tactile and acoustic feedback during keypress actions.
In summary, the diverging materials of the top housings in the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX KD200 lead to significant differences in sound profiles when a key is released. The polycarbonate top of the Jupiter Red creates a clearer, more resonant sound, while the nylon top of the KD200 produces a deeper and fuller auditory feedback. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that their bottom-out sounds share a level of warmth and dampening quality. This combination of materials ultimately results in a unique typing experience with the Jupiter Red's bright sound contrasting sharply with the KD200's mellow tones, while also allowing users to enjoy the benefits of nylon's acoustic properties in each switch’s action.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch may have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Jupiter Red bottoming out at 60 grams, while the KD200 has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Jupiter Red switch requires a heavier force to fully depress it compared to the KD200. As a result, the Jupiter Red is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the KD200's lighter bottom out force makes it ideal for those who value comfort and reduced fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch differ notably in travel distance, with the Jupiter Red featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KD200 measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red provides a longer travel experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the KD200 caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers who seek agility in their inputs. While both switches can deliver excellent typing experiences, if you're looking for a more robust and deeper engagement with each keystroke, the Gateron Jupiter Red would be the preferable choice. Conversely, if a snappier and more responsive feel is your priority, the HMX KD200 might be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
The Gateron Jupiter Red 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 sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Red is characterized as neutral, providing a moderate auditory experience that suits both beginners and advanced users. This balanced sound level makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. It avoids drawing too much attention, allowing for a more focused typing experience. In contrast, the HMX KD200 switch stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, which suggests a more pronounced and potentially louder sound profile. However, sound perceptions can vary significantly based on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Jupiter Red switches are known for offering a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience. With their smooth, refined finish, these switches deliver minimal friction and a buttery tactile sensation when pressed. This enhanced smoothness is further complemented by a mild actuation, making them approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of users. The feel of the HMX KD200, however, is not specified, leaving its tactile experience unknown. This lack of comparative data means that users might find the KD200's feel either more or less favorable depending solely on their personal preferences.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the HMX KD200 offers a distinctively clackier sound that tends to stand out in any typing environment. Users looking for a serene typing experience may lean towards the Jupiter Red, with its polished and creamy qualities, while those who appreciate a louder typing experience may find the KD200 more appealing. Ultimately, both options cater to different preferences, and the right choice will depend on individual requirements for sound and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX KD200 linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a medium-heavy actuation force with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Jupiter Reds are an excellent choice. Their polished feel, complemented by silky and creamy attributes, ensures a refined and pleasurable typing experience, making them suitable for both work and leisure environments without being overly noisy. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more deliberate, satisfying key press and want a neutral sound that doesn’t disrupt others around them. On the other hand, if your priority leans towards a lighter actuation force and you enjoy a clackier sound profile, the HMX KD200 could be the better fit. Its notably lighter weight makes for quick and effortless typing, appealing to gamers or fast typists who prefer rapid keystrokes. Though the KD200 may excel in producing a more pronounced auditory presence, it still provides a unique typing experience that may be more engaging for those who value feedback in sound and feel. Ultimately, by aligning your choice with how you intend to use your keyboard—be it for intense gaming sessions or longer typing tasks—you can enhance your overall experience significantly.
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