Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, there are some key differences to consider. The Jupiter Red is favored for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. This switch is ideal for those who value consistency and precision in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback with each key press, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a more tactile typing feel. 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. While both switches have the same top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Jupiter Red and the Crystal Brown utilize a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more muted and less sharp sound compared to switches with harder plastics in the bottom housing. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary due to this difference.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown may be the same, the impact of each housing on the overall typing experience varies. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how subtle differences in housing materials can result in distinct typing experiences, even when the materials themselves are similar. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Jupiter Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams, making the Jupiter Red switch slightly heavier. However, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience when initially pressing the keys. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, the Crystal Brown may be the better option due to its lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Jupiter Red to be more satisfying with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, their travel distance does not play a factor as they both offer a consistent experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress activation regardless of whether they choose the Gateron Jupiter Red or the Outemu Crystal Brown switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10.
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
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is renowned for its smooth and seamless keystrokes, providing a consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force. This switch also boasts high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it a popular choice among users seeking a refined typing feel. In terms of sound, the Jupiter Red switch offers a neutral profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a tactile typing experience without any specific qualities mentioned for sound or feel. Without further information on the Crystal Brown switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of feel.
Overall, if you enjoy a smooth and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, without specific information on its qualities, it may be more challenging to determine which switch would best suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results if certain qualities are equivalent between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a smooth, consistent keystroke, the Jupiter Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown could be a better option. Additionally, if you are looking for a polished, creamy, silky, or mild typing experience, the Jupiter Red offers various refined options to suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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