Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Keygeek Keylin stand out as exceptional linear options each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Red is renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, featuring a medium-heavy actuation due to its single-stage spring design. Its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects make it an ideal choice for users seeking a seamless and consistent typing experience, categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin boasts a premium typing experience, thanks to its new molds that provide not only exceptional smoothness but also rich acoustics, offering a slightly different tactile sensation. While both switches deliver a linear feel that many enthusiasts appreciate, the choice between the two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize the Jupiter Red's smoothness and backlighting or the Keylin's acoustic richness. 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
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Keygeek Keylin switches, a significant difference emerges in their top housing. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer composition contributes to a clearer resonance, making it especially desirable for builds that include RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, a material recognized for delivering a deeper and fuller sound. The softer characteristics of nylon help absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the tonal quality but also the aesthetic potential for RGB light display, making them distinctly versatile for different user preferences.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing for both switches, there is a remarkable similarity, as both the Jupiter Red and the Keylin utilize nylon material. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel from the bottom of the switch. Since nylon is known for absorbing sound and contributing to a fuller and more rounded auditory experience, both switches will offer similar acoustics when bottoming out. Therefore, regardless of the difference in their top housings, the bottom housing of both switches allows for a cohesive resonance that fans of softer sounds can enjoy.
Ultimately, the divergence between the Jupiter Red and Keylin lies significantly in their top housing materials, translating to varied auditory experiences based on user preference. If one prefers a sharper sound profile enhanced by RGB lighting, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. Conversely, if a fuller sound with a more muted quality is desired, the Keylin's nylon top housing fits that bill effectively. Nevertheless, both switches ensure a harmonious experience at the bottom end due to their shared use of nylon, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds in terms of sound and tactile feedback when pressed.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium weight. In contrast, the Keylin switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. The Keylin, being lighter, may reduce fatigue for users who require prolonged typing or gaming, while the Jupiter Red offers a firmer feel with its stronger actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option, whereas the Jupiter Red is heftier, providing distinct tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the key down, the Jupiter Red offers a more significant depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and less abrupt feel. On the other hand, the Keylin's 3.6 mm travel distance can provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers or those who favor a more immediate key press. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a robust typing experience, the Jupiter Red is the better choice with its longer travel distance. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Keylin's shorter travel distance could be more advantageous. In summary, the Jupiter Red is the longer option, while the Keylin is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch exhibits a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound output. This quality makes it versatile, appealing to beginners and advanced users alike, and suitable for both home and office environments. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch are currently unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience with either switch can significantly vary based on the specific keyboard used and the type of keycaps applied.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red truly shines with its polished, creamy, silky, and mild qualities. These descriptors emphasize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, marked by reduced friction and a delightful, buttery sensation. This makes the Jupiter Red switches a joy to type on, allowing for effortless gliding of fingers across the keys. The feel of the Keylin switches is again unknown, but the attention to detail in their design suggests that they may also prioritize a premium typing experience, potentially aligning well with the smooth feel that the Jupiter Reds offer.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Keygeek Keylin switches provide different insights into the mechanical keyboard experience. While the Jupiter Red is celebrated for its neutral sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, the Keylin's auditory and tactile properties remain unspecified. Typer’s looking for a well-rounded switch may gravitate toward the Jupiter Red for its proven performance. Still, without further details on the Keylin's characteristics, it leaves open the possibility that it could offer a similarly impressive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a more deliberate and robust feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Jupiter Red will likely be your go-to. Its polished, creamy, and silky characteristics, combined with a neutral sound profile, make it an excellent option for both typing and gaming while providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience with an easier actuation force of 48 grams, you might find the Keylin more suited to your style. Although it has fewer detailed descriptors in terms of tactile feel, it promises exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, catering to those who prioritize comfort and a softer sound. In essence, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you value a medium-heavy, polished keystroke versus a lighter, potentially quieter experience; each offers a unique approach to typing that can significantly enhance your keyboard enjoyment.
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