Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB often boils down to personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. The Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. This linear switch caters to those who favor a clean and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile bump that provides a more refined typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy the satisfying feedback of a short, medium-strength actuation. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, the MX Purple is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and tactile response when typing. Both switches have their unique advantages, but your choice ultimately hinges on your specific preferences for feel, sound, and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and overall feel during use. The Jupiter Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, characteristics that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more resonant sound when typing, especially in environments where acoustics matter. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, allowing for a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. This difference in material choice leads to distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

In contrast, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a remarkable similarity in how they feel during typing. Nylon's inherent sound-absorbing properties allow for a more muted bottom-out sound, creating a fuller and softer auditory experience for the user. As both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, they share a commonality that enhances their ability to dampen the sound, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Moreover, since the bottom housing typically has a more significant influence on the bottom-out feel, both switches effectively deliver similar tactile feedback, even though the top housing materials diverge.

In essence, the combination of materials in the housing of the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB paints a vivid picture of their respective performance characteristics. The juxtaposition of polycarbonate and nylon in the top half creates distinct sound profiles, while the shared nylon in the bottom housing harmonizes their tactile experiences. Users looking for a crisper sound will lean towards the Jupiter Reds, while those preferring a deeper, fuller auditory experience may gravitate towards the MX Purple RGBs. Regardless of the choice, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures they provide a satisfying typing experience that appeals to various needs.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch have notable similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly influence the typing experience. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, as it allows for sustained typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Jupiter Red is 60 grams, which signifies that it provides a firmer feel when fully pressed down compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, for which the bottom out force is currently unavailable. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Jupiter Red is heavier in terms of bottom out force, leading to a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for feedback. Thus, users looking for a lighter experience will find both switches comparable in actuation, but those who appreciate a heavier bottoming out experience may lean more towards the Jupiter Red.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making their key presses the same in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the switch. This means that typists and gamers can expect a similar key press feel and depth when using either switch, leading to comparable responsiveness during typing or gameplay. With matching travel distances, users will likely achieve similar results in terms of keystroke activation, allowing for a consistent experience across both switch types.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, the Jupiter Red is characterized as a neutral switch, providing a moderate sound that suits a variety of environments, whether in a home or office setting. This balanced audio allows for a more versatile typing experience, pleasing both casual typers and those who may type more intensely. The sound of the MX Purple RGB is unspecified; however, it is worth noting that the acoustic output of any switch can depend on many external factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can affect how sound is perceived.

In terms of tactile feel, the Jupiter Red switches excel in providing a polished and creamy typing experience. The combination of a smooth finish and potential factory lubing results in reduced friction, allowing for a seamless key travel that feels both silky and mild on the fingers. This makes the Jupiter Red appealing to those seeking a truly refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the MX Purple RGB are not explicitly detailed; however, as a tactile switch, it is designed to provide a distinct bump during actuation, which can contribute to a different typing experience compared to the linear feel of the Jupiter Red.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Red offers a smooth, neutral sound and a creamy, polished feel suitable for those who enjoy a consistent linear switch, while the MX Purple RGB, despite lacking specific details, aims to deliver a tactile bump that many enthusiasts cherish. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a fluid key action or a tactile feedback experience, and with the nuanced qualities each type offers, both can yield satisfying results on different keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy action, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice, particularly if you're likely to type for extended periods. These switches not only provide a polished and silky feel but also produce a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both quiet environments like an office and more casual settings at home. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback during your typing, which can enhance your accuracy and provide a satisfying response with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be more suitable. While specific sound characteristics aren't provided, the tactile bump of the Purple switches facilitates a more engaged typing experience. In summary, opt for the Jupiter Reds when you want smoothness and consistency, and choose the Cherry MX Purples when tactile feedback is a priority in your typing sessions. Your choice should align with whether you prefer a buttery, linear feel or a pronounced tactile sensation.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more