Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both stand out as exceptional linear options, each tailored to meet specific user preferences. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, thanks to its single-stage spring that facilitates medium-heavy actuation. This switch is designed for users who value a seamless typing experience, enhanced by high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a polished, creamy, and silky feel. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch brings an entirely different appeal with its all-POM construction that provides a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke. While both switches aim to deliver a refined typing experience, the Jupiter Red leans towards a more traditional linear feel, whereas the WS POM+ emphasizes acoustics alongside smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.90 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, notable differences emerge that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This choice enhances the switch's ability to deliver bright, resonant tones, especially when RGB lighting is involved, leveraging the translucency of polycarbonate for aesthetic effects. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to the switches' overall acoustics, the juxtaposition of the crispness associated with polycarbonate and the warmth from POM creates distinct auditory experiences when typing or gaming.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Jupiter Red opts for a nylon base, which is traditionally recognized for producing a fuller and deeper sound. This effect is achieved through nylon's softer composition, which helps absorb sound rather than reverberate it. The WS POM+, on the other hand, continues the trend of using POM in both its top and bottom housings. Thus, the POM base contributes to the unique sound profile that is more muted and cohesive in character compared to the depth offered by the nylon. Although both switches deliver a sound that leans towards the deeper spectrum, the Gateron’s combination of a nylon bottom and polycarbonate top introduces an interesting interplay between resonance and absorption, while the WS POM+ maintains a consistent tonality throughout.

In terms of performance, even though the Jupiter Red and WS POM+ utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both ultimately produce distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Red leans towards a sharper and more resonant output with its polycarbonate top, while the nylon bottom provides a fuller sound. Conversely, the WS POM+'s use of POM in both housings cultivates a muted yet pleasant auditory experience. Consequently, typing on either switch offers unique results, yet if one were to favor either the high-pitched clarity of the Jupiter Red or the softer sound of the WS POM+, the key factors to consider lie in the interplay of the materials’ acoustic qualities and how they resonate when engaged.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar ease of triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Red requires 60 grams to fully bottom out, whereas the WS POM+ has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This distinction indicates that while both switches feel equally light at the actuation point, the Jupiter Red provides a more substantial bottoming out experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile response. Therefore, the Gateron Jupiter Red is considered the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the WS POM+ caters to users seeking a slightly lighter overall experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with traditional switch designs and offers a more pronounced feel during key presses. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. This means that those looking for a more responsive feel might gravitate towards the WS POM+, while users who appreciate a deeper, more substantial key press might find the Gateron Jupiter Red to be the better choice. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch provides a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level. This balanced sound signature makes it highly versatile, suitable for various environments, whether you’re typing at home, in a café, or in a quiet office setting. The flexibility of these switches allows them to cater to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ boasts a deep, satisfying "thock" sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element to the typing experience. This distinctive sound is likely to resonate well with those who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes, creating an engaging atmosphere while typing. However, it should be noted that the overall sound experience can greatly depend on other factors such as keycaps and the keyboard's construction.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches are known for their polished, creamy, and silky textures, yielding an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and seamless key travel, which collectively enhance the overall experience. The mild actuation of these switches makes them approachable to both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, while the available information doesn’t detail the specific feel of the WS POM+, given their reputation for providing an unparalleled typing experience, it can be inferred that they also deliver a smooth tactile response, likely appealing to users who value fluidity in their keystrokes.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Jupiter Red excels in providing a neutral sound and a finely polished typing experience, the WS POM+ stands out with its deep thock and buttery smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound signature or overall typing experience, but both options promise a satisfying journey into the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you're looking for a smooth, polished key feel with a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice, especially for those who value a consistent and refined typing experience without any interruptions. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether you work from home or in an office, and the creamy and silky characteristics enhance that luxurious feel as you type. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 55-gram bottom-out force and a deep, satisfying sound signature, the WS POM+ may be more aligned with your preferences. Its unique construction offers a buttery-smooth keystroke that can elevate your typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a "thock" sound while maintaining a more playful and tactile approach. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the level of sound you’re comfortable with, and how the switch feels under your fingertips when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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Wuque Studio WS POM+ Linear

$3.90 per 10

Learn more