Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Dareu Master

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Dareu Master. The Jupiter Red, categorized as polished, creamy, and silky, is famed for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes thanks to a single-stage spring that offers medium-heavy actuation. This makes it a go-to for those who crave a seamless and consistent typing feel, enhanced by its softer backlight effects, which appeal to aesthetics as well as functionality. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch presents a compelling alternative with its all-POM construction, providing a classic clacky sound signature that many typists find satisfying. While it also boasts a medium weight that contributes to its smooth operation, its polished finish delivers a hint of character with every keystroke. Both switches have their unique strengths, with the Jupiter Red perfect for a quieter, more refined experience, while the Master brings an audible flair to the typing process. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Dareu Master Linear

$2.80 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Dareu Master, distinct differences emerge that affect their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing—known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This character makes polycarbonate ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, lending the switch an aesthetically pleasing glow. In contrast, the Dareu Master employs a POM top housing, celebrated for producing a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials serve good functional purposes, the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate edges out in terms of clarity and brightness, while the Master’s POM offers a smoother and more rounded auditory experience.

The bottom housing of each switch further emphasizes their unique acoustic characteristics. The Jupiter Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer composition. This leads to a fuller sound profile, enabling a more resonant feel during typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Master opts for a POM bottom housing, which provides a similarly muted and pleasing sound profile but with a notable difference in texture and feel. Together, the nylon bottom of the Jupiter Red balances the sharper tones from its polycarbonate top housing, while the POM bottom of the Master allows for a cohesive and consistent sound experience throughout the switch’s actuation.

Despite the differences in the materials used in their top and bottom housings, there is potential for similar outcomes in auditory experiences across both switches. With the Gateron Jupiter Red yielding a bright, resonant sound due to its combination of polycarbonate and nylon, and the Dareu Master maintaining a deeper tone with its POM housings, both switches can appeal to different preferences while providing satisfactory typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to the desired typing sensation—whether one prefers the clear, crisp sound of polycarbonate or the smooth, muted tones of POM.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, both switches offer the same actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that users will experience a similar ease of pressing down to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force presents a contrast between the two models. The Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, providing a satisfying resistance that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Master switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Jupiter Red's bottom out resistance. This uncertainty could influence user preference, as those who appreciate a heavier feel might find the Jupiter Red more appealing if they are looking for a defined stopping point. Ultimately, with both having the same actuation force, the Jupiter Red is clearly the heavier option due to its specified bottom out force, while the Master remains ambiguous in this aspect.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options and ideal for users who appreciate a deeper and more satisfying keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Master has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times, a characteristic often preferred by gamers. This means that if you're looking for a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Jupiter Red is the preferable choice, while the Master would appeal to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Jupiter Red offering a longer travel distance and the Master providing a shorter, more rapid interaction.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches present a neutral profile. This means they possess a moderate actuation force requirement, resulting in a balanced sound that works well in various environments, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned users. Conversely, the Dareu Master switch is characterized by a distinct clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy acoustics that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This difference in sound means that while the Jupiter Reds provide a more subdued auditory experience, the Master switches cater to those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback in their typing.

In terms of feel, both switches exhibit polished qualities that imply a smooth and refined experience due to the materials used and/or factory lubrication. The Jupiter Red switches take this a step further by being described as creamy and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience. This results in reduced friction and effortless keystrokes, giving users a sensation akin to gliding over the keys. The Dareu Master switch, while equally polished, doesn't match the creamy and silky characteristics of the Jupiter Red but still provides a refined feel. Therefore, those looking for the ultimate smoothness may prefer the Jupiter Reds, while the Masters are equally smooth, albeit less so.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Dareu Master linear switches offer a level of quality that can enhance the typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Reds are ideal for users who seek a neutral sound and a remarkably smooth feel, enriched with creamy sensations. On the other hand, the Masters appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic, clacky sound while still providing a polished feel. Depending on your personal preference in sound and tactile feedback, each switch can deliver a fulfilling typing experience, but the unique characteristics of each will ultimately guide your choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, your preferences and specific use cases will be critical in making the best decision. If you seek a linear switch that offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. Its polished and creamy feel ensures a refined typing experience, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming purposes. The neutral sound profile also allows for a versatile use in various environments, whether at work or home. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more tactile sound and feel, the Dareu Master switch might be more your style. Although its bottom-out force remains unspecified, it boasts a clacky sound signature that some users find satisfying, especially in a mechanical keyboard setting. Its polished finish provides a sleek typing experience as well, but the clacky sound may not suit quieter work environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style, sound preferences, and intended usage, ensuring you select the switch that enhances your experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Master Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more