Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver each offer unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Jupiter Red excels in providing a smooth and fluid keystroke, thanks to its medium-heavy actuation and innovative single-stage spring, creating a typing experience that feels polished and creamy. Its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects further enhance its appeal, making it a top choice for typists who value consistency and a tactile yet gentle feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is engineered for speed, boasting a low spring resistance and full height that allows for near-instant actuation, which is particularly advantageous for gamers where milliseconds matter. Its textured and thocky characteristics provide a satisfying response, making it ideal for those who thrive under pressure. Both switches cater to distinct needs, whether prioritizing typing comfort or rapid response times. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver switches exhibit contrasting characteristics primarily in their top housing materials. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing, frequently enhanced by RGB lighting that shines through the clear material. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and more absorbent compared to polycarbonate. The outcome is a fuller, deeper sound while typing, creating a duller auditory experience. The distinct differences in materials utilized for the top housing greatly influence how each switch sounds during key presses, highlighting the unique auditory signatures that come from these two different designs.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality with their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This similarity means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, gamers and typists will likely experience deeper and rounder auditory feedback. Nylon's softer nature allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more muted yet substantial bottoming-out sensation on both switches. As a result, while the top housing of each switch plays a pivotal role in defining the initial typing sound based on material choice, the bottom housing ensures a coherent feel and sound that is uniform across both models.
In conclusion, the juxtaposition of the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing and the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing illustrates the importance of material choice in keyboard switches. While their switch bottoms deliver a consistent sound profile and feel due to the shared nylon composition, the top housings create distinct auditory experiences that can significantly affect user preference. The diversity in sound profiles can aid typists and gamers in making informed choices based on their desired acoustics, with the Jupiter Red providing a sharper sound and the MX Speed Silver offering a more cushioned, fuller experience. Thus, while each switch has unique properties, the shared qualities of their bottom housings unify their performance in terms of sound depth and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, which can be beneficial for users seeking a lighter typing experience. However, the Jupiter Red switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. This means that the Jupiter Red offers a heavier touch in terms of bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a firmer and more tactile response during typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, if weight and typing experience are essential considerations, the Gateron Jupiter Red is the heavier option overall, while both switches provide similar actuation characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches, the differences are notable. The Jupiter Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker actuation and faster response times, which is often favored by gamers. With this information, it’s clear that the Jupiter Red offers a longer travel distance than the MX Speed Silver. For users seeking a more pronounced tactile experience, the Jupiter Red would be the better choice, while those prioritizing speed and responsiveness may lean towards the MX Speed Silver.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 switch is characterized by a neutral profile, producing a moderate sound that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office. This makes it a versatile choice, pleasing both beginners and experienced typists with its unobtrusive acoustic footprint. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a distinctively thocky sound, which is deeper and richer, often perceived as satisfying when keys are pressed and released. The low-pitched tone of the Speed Silver enhances the tactile experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback while typing or gaming. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound experience can also depend on the keyboard layout, materials, and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches provide a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined actuation that minimizes friction during keystrokes. This is typically a result of high-quality materials and potential factory lubrication, leading to a gentle and approachable typing sensation that's appealing for everyday use. Conversely, the MX Speed Silver switch is noted for its textured feel, which can introduce some noticeable friction during typing. While this scratchiness might disrupt the smoothness that some users prefer, it can also provide a sense of tactile feedback that certain gamers and typists may find beneficial for precision. Thus, while both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Jupiter Red excels in delivering an effortless glide, whereas the Speed Silver introduces a more textured interaction.
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Jupiter Red stands out for its neutral sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, making it a great versatile option for daily typing tasks. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver's thocky sound and textured feel are tailored towards gamers seeking rapid response and feedback during use. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a serene typing experience or an engaging tactile feedback, as both switches provide unique advantages that can enhance your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Jupiter Red and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you seek a typing experience that is smooth, polished, and mildly tactile, the Jupiter Reds may be your best option; they deliver a seamless keystroke, making them ideal for extensive typing sessions whether for work or casual use. Their medium actuation force and neutral sound profile make them a versatile choice for most environments. On the other hand, if you are a gamer prioritizing speed and rapid response, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches shine with their low spring resistance and instant actuation. These switches excel in fast-paced gaming scenarios, where each millisecond counts, offering a thocky sound profile that many find satisfying. Therefore, when making your choice, consider whether you value a smooth and refined typing experience or the ultra-responsive performance that can give you a competitive edge in gaming.
Mentioned in this article
