Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preferences and typing style, and two notable options are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Jupiter Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to its single-stage spring that provides medium-heavy actuation. With high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, it appeals to users desiring a consistent and seamless typing experience, falling into a category that reflects its polished and silky nature. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding, classified as a hall effect switch, offers a fascinating combination of smooth operation and deep sound that results in a satisfying and precise typing experience. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it a versatile choice for enthusiasts who prioritize performance. While both switches provide unique benefits—whether it's the Jupiter Red's silky smoothness or the Rice Pudding's satisfying feedback—understanding their distinctive characteristics will help you choose the one that best suits your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$2.80 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches exhibit a fascinating similarity, particularly in their top casings, both made from polycarbonate. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's inherent properties as a stiffer plastic. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches when utilized in configurations that feature RGB lighting, allowing vibrant colors to shine through and creating a visually dynamic experience. As a result, both switches offer a unified auditory experience characterized by clarity and resonance when the keys are pressed.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are crafted from nylon, a material known for its soft and sound-absorbing qualities. The use of nylon results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, differentiating the acoustic responses of the switches. While the polycarbonate top housing on both models contributes to the sharpness and clarity in sound, the nylon bottom housing introduces warmth and depth, resulting in a more rounded bottom-out sound on key press. This difference in material between the top and bottom housing effectively merges the attributes of both plastics, allowing for a unique blend of auditory characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches ensures that users receive complementary sound profiles. The crispness contributed by the polycarbonate tops harmonizes with the fullness and depth made possible by the nylon bottoms. Consequently, despite the variations in housing materials, both switches deliver similar auditory results. The interplay of these materials means that users can expect a pleasant typing experience devoid of acoustic harshness, encapsulating the best attributes of both the high-pitched clarity of polycarbonate and the deep, rich tones of nylon.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, marking it as a light-weight option. This significant difference indicates that the Rice Pudding is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, while the Jupiter Red might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. Thus, if one favors a lighter switch for comfort, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the better choice, while the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a more tactile resistance for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Red features a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm highlights one of the key contrasts between the two switches. The Jupiter Red's longer travel is more aligned with traditional preferences for a fuller key feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a substantial depth when typing. On the other hand, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Rice Pudding caters to gamers and those who prefer quick responsiveness, potentially enabling faster actuation for improved performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: the Jupiter Red offers a more pronounced keystroke experience, while the Rice Pudding provides a snappier feel ideal for rapid input.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound characteristics of the Gateron Jupiter Red switch, one finds it to have a neutral profile. This means it produces a moderate sound that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, from the quiet of a home office to the bustling atmosphere of a shared workspace. The Jupiter Red’s sound doesn’t overwhelm and strikes a nice balance, making it appealing to both beginners and experienced users. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is unknown, but it is known for delivering a deep sound, which may provide a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. It’s important to note that sound can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, so users of either switch may have variable experiences depending on their setup.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switch excels with descriptors such as polished, creamy, silky, and mild. This range signifies an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes with minimal resistance. The texture invites a sensation of gliding, which enhances comfort during long typing sessions. Users can expect a satisfying tactile experience that feels gentle without compromising on performance. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the Rice Pudding switch are not outlined; however, it is noted that the Rice Pudding switches deliver a blend of smooth operation and satisfying precision, suggesting they also offer a compelling tactile feedback that is likely enjoyable for typists seeking both comfort and accuracy.

In conclusion, although the sound aspect of the Rice Pudding switch remains undiscussed, the Gateron Jupiter Red stands out with its balanced and neutral auditory feedback, while also providing an exceptionally smooth tactile feel. The Jupiter Red is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a polished and comfortable typing experience. If the Rice Pudding switch delivers on its claim of smooth operation combined with a deeper sound, it could appeal to enthusiasts who value both auditory and tactile qualities. Regardless, both switches present distinct advantages and can yield satisfying results for typists, making either a worthy option based on personal preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a medium level of actuation force, enjoy a polished and silky typing experience, and seek a versatile switch that won’t be disruptive in shared environments, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. Its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize consistency in their typing, whether for gaming or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with the appeal of a deep sound profile, the Rice Pudding switch might be your go-to option. It offers a satisfying balance and is especially suitable for enthusiasts looking for performance and compatibility with innovative keyboards, such as those from Wooting. In short, consider the Jupiter Red for a robust and elegant feel suited for prolonged typing sessions, while the Rice Pudding is ideal for those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory feedback and a softer actuation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user experiences, so the best choice lies in aligning your preferences with the characteristics of each switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more