Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Purple stand out as unique choices for different typing experiences. The Gateron Jupiter Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to its single-stage spring design that offers a medium-heavy actuation force. With high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Reds provide a seamless and consistent typing experience, making them a top choice for users seeking a polished and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that offers a distinct typing sensation with a tactile bump upon actuation, providing feedback to the user. While less information is available about the Purple switch, it is known for its unique characteristics. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal choices for those looking to enhance their typing experience with clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, despite the similarities in material, the two switches may still differ in terms of design and overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Jupiter Red and the Outemu Purple utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. It is interesting to note that even though the top and bottom housings differ in material, they ultimately work together to provide a unique tactile feedback and sound profile when typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Purple offers a balanced mix of sharp, crisps sounds from the top and deep, fuller sounds from the bottom when typing. While both switches may share similar qualities in terms of housing materials, they may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on design and other factors. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, with 45 grams for the Jupiter Red and 50 grams for the Purple. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Red requires a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that typing on the Jupiter Red may feel lighter initially, but will require a stronger push to fully press the keys compared to the Purple. Both switches offer their own unique typing experiences, with the Jupiter Red being more medium in terms of force requirement, and the Purple having a tactile bump for added feedback without clear information on the bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, providing a consistent typing experience for users. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This aspect of the switches allows for a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with both switches offering the same level of tactile feedback and responsiveness. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Jupiter Red or the tactile bump of the Purple, you can rest assured that the travel distance will remain consistent between the two options.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, emphasizing the point that sound can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is renowned for its polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. These descriptors suggest a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch remains unknown, meaning users may not get the same refined experience as with the Gateron Jupiter Red switch.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch stands out for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, medium-heavy actuation, high-precision molds, and softer backlight effects, providing a seamless and consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks information on sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to determine its subjective qualities accurately. If seeking a consistent and refined typing experience, opting for the Gateron Jupiter Red switch may be the better choice based on the information provided.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke with medium-heavy actuation and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with an unknown bottom out force and a different typing experience, the Purple could be a unique choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a linear or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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