Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is praised for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, medium-heavy actuation, and high-precision molds, making it a top choice for those seeking a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red with the added benefit of operating silently, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Jupiter Red is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the MX Silent Red falls under 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured'. Each switch has its strengths, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches provide distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their materials. The Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through, giving it a visually appealing advantage over the Silent Red. However, the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a quieter typing experience compared to the Jupiter Red.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in bottom housing material between the two switches does not drastically impact the overall sound experience, as the qualities brought by the nylon material remain consistent. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Whether it is in the top or bottom housing, nylon provides a similar sound profile in both the Jupiter Red and the MX Silent Red switches.
When comparing the two switches, it is clear that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced. The stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Red creates a crisper sound profile, while the softer nylon housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound for a quieter typing experience. While the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, the overall impact on sound and feel is largely determined by the properties of the housing material used. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the Gateron Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, for which the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Red due to its higher bottom out force, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cherry MX Silent Red more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Jupiter Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the MX Silent Red has the shorter travel distance, providing a slightly quicker response time when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Jupiter Red being slightly on the longer side, while the MX Silent Red is on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the user's specific typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfaction of a mechanical switch. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Red being more general and the MX Silent Red catering to noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is known for its polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as providing a textured typing experience, with noticeable friction when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the smoothness of the Jupiter Red or the textured feel of the MX Silent Red to enhance their typing comfort and satisfaction.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Red provides a moderate sound profile and polished typing experience, the MX Silent Red ensures a quieter sound output and a textured feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, with both switches offering satisfying results in their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent typing experience with medium-heavy actuation, the Jupiter Red is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a similar typing experience but with a significantly quieter sound profile for noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. Additionally, if you prefer a more polished and creamy feel, the Jupiter Red may be more suitable, while the MX Silent Red offers a textured feel. Consider your typing style, environment, and preferences when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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