Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is a linear switch with a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for those seeking a consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out with its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Jupiter Red offers a polished and creamy typing feel, the Smoothie delivers a buttery and low-pitched experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a seamless keystroke or a unique sound profile. 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
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and Smoothie switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Jupiter Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile that is ideal for those looking for a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound profile for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Both switches are designed to work well with RGB lighting due to the translucent nature of polycarbonate, while POM provides a unique sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Jupiter Red features a nylon material that enhances the sound with a deeper and fuller profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many typists. Conversely, the Smoothie utilizes a POM bottom housing that provides a similar deep and muted sound profile as its top housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their choice of bottom housing material, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Red and Smoothie switches differ in their choice of housing materials, they both offer unique typing experiences. The Jupiter Red's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharp and resonant sound profile with a deeper bottom-out sound, while the Smoothie's POM housing delivers a more muted and pleasing typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper high-pitched sound or a deeper and more muted typing experience, both switches have something to offer for enthusiasts looking for a unique sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Jupiter Red requires a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown. This means that the Jupiter Red provides a more consistent and slightly heavier typing experience overall. When it comes to weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie, while users looking for a bit more resistance may opt for the Jupiter Red. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the difference lies in the bottom out force, making the Jupiter Red slightly heavier than the Smoothie.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Red. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Smoothie with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial press may opt for the Jupiter Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience, and the choice between them will depend on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound that delivers a deep, mellow tone. If you prefer a more traditional sound experience, the Jupiter Red switch may be the better choice, while the Smoothie switch is ideal for those looking for a unique thocky sound signature.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Smoothie switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Smoothie switch is also described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with enhanced smoothness and minimal resistance. Whether you choose the Jupiter Red or Smoothie switch, you can expect a luxurious typing experience with a focus on smooth key presses.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Smoothie linear switches both provide high-quality typing experiences with unique characteristics in sound and feel. While the Jupiter Red switch offers a neutral sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation for a consistent typing experience, the Smoothie switch stands out with its thocky sound signature and lightweight touch. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth and refined typing experiences, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing feel. Whether you choose the Jupiter Red or Smoothie switch, you can expect a top-notch typing experience with high-precision molds and soft backlight effects in the case of the Jupiter Reds, or remarkable smoothness and a thocky sound signature in the case of the Smoothies.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a medium actuation force and a consistent typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Jupiter Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter touch, a thocky sound profile, and a switch that offers remarkable smoothness without breaking the bank, the Smoothie might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, whether you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force or a lightweight touch with a unique sound signature. Both switches offer high-quality performance and smooth key travel, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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