Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Orange. The Gateron Jupiter Red switches are celebrated for their smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes facilitated by a single-stage spring, offering a medium-heavy actuation force that caters to users seeking a seamless and consistent typing feel. With their polished and creamy characteristics, these switches provide a tactile sensation that many typists appreciate, complemented by softer backlight effects for a more aesthetically pleasing setup. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches, which have been revived from a beloved original, feature enhancements designed to meet modern demands while maintaining the quality associated with the Cherry brand. While both switches are categorized as linear and offer a responsive typing experience, the choice between them ultimately boils down to personal preference in feel and aesthetics. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Orange switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impact their sound profiles during usage. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the material's stiffer nature. Polycarbonate, being a transparent plastic, not only enhances sound resonance but is also ideal for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to absorb more sound produces a duller tone, which diverges markedly from the crisper characteristics of the Jupiter Red. Therefore, users would notice a pronounced difference in auditory feedback depending on which switch they are using.
Interestingly, the bottom housing of both the Jupiter Red and the MX Orange is made of nylon material. This shared aspect means that both switches will impart a deeper and fuller sound profile when engaged, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Since the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and tactile response upon pressing the key, both switches will feel similar in those respects. Users can expect consistency in the sound dampening effects from the nylon bottom, contributing to a more rounded auditory experience when both switches are pressed down. This shared aspect minimizes the variability that might be felt in the tactile feedback, ensuring that both types of switches provide a comparable interaction when bottomed out.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities in housing materials between the Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Orange switches create a unique typing experience that emphasizes various auditory and tactile qualities. The contrasting top housing materials lead to diverse sound profiles, with the polycarbonate delivering a crisp note and nylon offering a softer, rounder sound. However, the aligned use of nylon in the bottom housing helps to unify the experience, ensuring that users recognize a shared depth and fullness in sound when activating the switches. In this way, while the two switches will appeal to different preferences regarding higher or lower sound pitches during activation, the similarities in bottom housing mean that they can still deliver a cohesive and satisfying typing experience overall.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Jupiter Red is 60 grams, providing a definitive tactile response upon bottoming out, whereas the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch for ease and comfort would benefit from the Jupiter Red, while those desiring a firmer resistance should consider the Cherry MX Orange for its heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Orange linear switches feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a similar feel and performance when typing or gaming. This equal travel distance means users can expect a comparable experience in terms of key press depth and feedback. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals looking for either option can enjoy the same tactile journey from top to bottom, ensuring consistent results regardless of the choice between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 switches present a neutral profile. This means they produce a moderate sound during operation, making them versatile for various environments, from home to office settings. These qualities suggest that the Jupiter Reds would be suitable for users who prefer a switch that neither draws attention nor is too quiet, offering a balanced auditory experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Cherry MX Orange switches is unknown, which leaves room for speculation on how they may compare. If the MX Orange switches have a similar neutral sound, users can expect a comparable acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches excel with their polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics. The smoothness of the typing experience is enhanced by high-quality materials and possibly factory lubing, allowing for reduced friction and effortless key travel. Typing feels comfortable and seamless, making them ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, there is no information available on the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches, which leaves their tactile response a mystery. If the MX Orange switches boast a smooth feel, users might find some parallel with the Jupiter Reds in that aspect.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Orange switches have unique qualities that may appeal to different types of users. The Jupiter Reds are celebrated for their neutral sound and luxurious feel, characterized by a silky smoothness and mild nature. While the MX Orange's sound and feel remain unknown, if they share certain vocal and tactile traits, users could achieve a similar level of satisfaction. Overall, those choosing between the two should weigh the Gateron Jupiter Red's established characteristics against the uncertain qualities of the MX Orange to determine which switch aligns better with their preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches and Cherry MX Orange switches ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth, polished keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Red might be the ideal choice for you. Its creamy and silky feel makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, providing a consistent experience that aims to minimize fatigue over long sessions. The neutral sound profile also ensures that it's versatile for use in different environments, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that revives a classic experience with modern enhancements, you may want to consider Cherry MX Orange switches. Although details on their actuation force are unavailable, the reissued design promises a reliable and satisfying experience, especially for users familiar with or nostalgic for the original MX Orange. Ultimately, consider what aspects, such as actuation weight, typing feel, and sound characteristics, resonate most with you, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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