Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The Jupiter Red is a linear switch, known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, providing a slight bump in feedback when the key is actuated, catering to typists who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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

Outemu Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Brown, we can see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The Jupiter Red and the Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, so users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities from both switches in this regard.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Red features a nylon material while the Outemu Brown also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the nylon bottom housing they share.

When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's important to note that each housing material brings different qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Brown, users can expect a balanced and enjoyable typing experience from both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Red is lighter in both aspects. The Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jupiter Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Brown for a stronger push sensation. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide users with different options based on their preferences for typing feedback and force requirements.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of key travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch. The consistency in travel distance between these two switches allows for a seamless transition between keyboards equipped with either the Jupiter Red or the Brown switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by mechanical keyboard switches can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is praised for its polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. The combination of a smooth finish, potential factory lubrication, and high-quality materials creates a refined and seamless key press for users. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not specified, so it's hard to directly compare it to the Jupiter Red in terms of typing experience. However, it is clear that the Brown switch may offer a different tactile sensation compared to the smooth linear action of the Red switch.

Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Red offers a consistent, medium-heavy actuation and a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for linear versus tactile switches, as well as individual preferences for typing feel and sound profiles. If similar results are desired, opting for the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch may provide a similar level of satisfaction and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are someone who prioritizes a seamless and consistent typing experience with a medium actuation force, then the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. The smooth, polished, and creamy feel of the Jupiter Red switch will provide you with a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Brown tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and actuation force. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns better with your typing style and comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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