Gateron Jupiter Red vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards have become a popular choice among gamers, typists, and tech enthusiasts alike, especially with the variety of switches available to suit individual preferences. Among these, the Gateron Jupiter Red and HMX SU stand out as excellent linear switch options, each offering distinct characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and medium-heavy actuation, providing a seamless and consistent feel that many users adore. Its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects also add a touch of elegance to any keyboard setup, making it a top contender for those who prioritize a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU delivers a unique auditory experience with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, producing a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that can elevate your typing enjoyment. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they do so with differing tactile and auditory qualities that can influence personal preference. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red switches and the HMX SU switches, a notable distinction arises in the top housing materials used. The Jupiter Red employs polycarbonate for its top housing, renowned for its stiffer composition that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a more resonant auditory experience, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is a classic material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively, contributing to a more rounded auditory experience when typing, thus offering a contrasting approach to the sound signature of the switches.
Both switch designs feature nylon for their bottom housings, indicating a shared characteristic in the construction that influences the sound and feel experienced during typing. Since nylon absorbs sound owing to its softer nature, both the Jupiter Red and HMX SU switches provide a deeper and fuller auditory profile upon bottoming out, promoting a more cushioned feel when keys are pressed. This similarity in bottom housing material reinforces the tactile experience of both switches, making them favorable choices for users who appreciate a rich sound without the harshness often associated with harder plastics.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the Jupiter Red and HMX SU differ significantly—creating variations in the upper sound profile—the consistency in bottom housing material ensures a comparable depth of sound and tactile feedback. This duality allows users to experience a blend of distinct auditory characteristics influenced by their respective top housings while both switches maintain a deeply satisfying feel on actuation due to their nylon bottom housings. Consequently, while choosing between these switch types may depend on desired sound aesthetics, the underlying nylon materials ensure that both provide a satisfying tactile experience, resulting in an engaging and immersive typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch provide distinct typing experiences, particularly in terms of their bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring that users will have a similar effort required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Jupiter Red has a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the lighter 50 grams of the SU switch. This difference means that while both switches feel similar during actuation, the Jupiter Red will require more force to bottom out, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Conversely, the HMX SU's lighter bottom out force makes it a better option for those who prioritize comfort and extended typing sessions without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. Overall, the Jupiter Red is the heavier option, offering a firmer feel, while the SU stands out as the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user experience significantly. The Jupiter Red, with its longer 4 mm travel, offers a more pronounced key press, which can be appealing for users who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX SU's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for fast-paced gaming environments. Ultimately, users looking for a more responsive experience may lean towards the shorter HMX SU switch, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press may favor the Gateron Jupiter Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 is characterized by a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement along with a balanced acoustic quality, making it versatile for both home and office environments. The relatively unobtrusive nature of the sound allows it to blend well in various settings, catering to both beginners and seasoned typists. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle yet deep sound profile, which may provide a different auditory feel, although specific details are limited. This deeper sound could offer a more resonant typing experience, depending on the context, but the overall comparison remains uncertain due to the lack of detailed sound descriptions for the SU.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red excels with descriptors such as polished, creamy, silky, and mild. These qualities suggest that it provides an exceptionally refined and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. A well-lubricated mechanism, combined with the high-precision molds used in its design, allows for reduced friction, enabling effortless key travel. The overall typing sensation is designed to be gentle and pleasurable, welcoming to users across all skill levels. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX SU linear switch is not adequately described, leaving ambiguity in how it compares to the other; its tactile response is currently unknown.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and an array of smooth tactile qualities, the HMX SU linear switch remains less defined in both sound and feel attributes. The Jupiter Red offers a reliable and refined typing experience, suitable for a broad range of users and use cases. In contrast, the HMX SU may appeal to those who prefer a deeper sound but lacks the clarity needed to fully evaluate its feel. For someone seeking a dependable switch with pronounced smoothness, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice, while the SU remains an intriguing but less assessed alternative.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a balance between a smooth, polished typing experience and a medium actuation force, the Jupiter Red would be an excellent choice for you. Its 60-gram bottom out force provides a satisfying heft that can enhance your control, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision is key. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch with a more subdued sound profile, the HMX SU's 50-gram actuation force may suit your needs better. This switch provides a silky typing feel that can help reduce fatigue over long periods. It’s a great option for endless typing sessions or for those who simply enjoy a lighter switch. Ultimately, consider your use-case scenarios—whether it’s for gaming, professional work, or casual typing—and select the switch that aligns with your tactile and auditory preferences.
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