Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Red, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch. The Jupiter Red is praised for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes thanks to a single-stage spring, providing medium-heavy actuation. On the other hand, the Plum offers a unique tactile experience with a hefty feel and a subtle tactile bump, unlike many other tactile switches. While the Jupiter Red boasts seamless consistency, the Plum stands out with its weightiness and distinct 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Kailh Plum switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings leads to a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. While both switches have similar qualities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
In terms of bottom housing material, both switches use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This quality is evident when using switches that incorporate nylon bottom housings, such as the Jupiter Red and the Plum. Despite having different top housing materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Kailh Plum switches provide users with a unique typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housings offer a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, high-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches cater to different sound preferences based on their housing materials. Nevertheless, the combination of these materials in each switch ensures a well-rounded typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Red requires 60 grams, while the Plum switch needs 70 grams, making it the heavier of the two. The Jupiter Red provides a more moderate typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, suitable for those who prefer a balance between a light touch and a bit of resistance. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force, ideal for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of weight, providing a choice between lighter or heavier typing experiences for users to select based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Plum. A 0.4 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in the typing experience. If you prefer a deeper key press with a bit more travel, then the Jupiter Red might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, then the Plum switch would be more suitable. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to which travel distance feels more comfortable and responsive to you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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, both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red is described as offering a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. This indicates a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a mild and stepped typing experience. The Plum switch feels hefty yet features a unique lack of a pronounced tactile bump, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to other tactile switches.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a seamless, consistent typing experience with medium-heavy actuation, the Kailh Plum offers a weighty feel with a lack of a pronounced tactile bump, making it stand out from traditional tactile switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feedback when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance your typing experience in different ways, so choosing the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs is key.
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