Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Polaris Purple both offer unique features that may appeal to different users. The Gateron Jupiter Browns are known for their blend of traditional and innovative design, offering a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purples provide an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a large tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. While the Jupiter Browns are categorized as mild, polished, and stepped, the Polaris Purples fall under neutral, mild, and polished. Each switch has its own advantages and characteristics, making it important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two. Let's delve deeper into specifics so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. As a result, both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials may impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
Despite the similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in the bottom housing materials between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown contributes to a deeper typing sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple creates a clearer and more resonant sound. This distinction showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can influence the overall typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the sound characteristics of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical keyboard switches, it is essential to acknowledge the role of both the top and bottom housings. The differences in material properties between the top and bottom housings of switches such as the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Purple play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. By understanding how each housing material affects sound production, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their switch selection to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them both fall into the medium-heavy category. The Jupiter Brown is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Polaris Purple, but they both offer a similar typing experience due to their similar bottom out forces. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Jupiter Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Polaris Purple for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they will both provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience due to their identical travel distances. This means that whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Polaris Purple, you can expect to feel a consistent level of key press feedback and overall typing comfort. In conclusion, both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to enjoy a similar level of tactile feedback regardless of which one they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown 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 Brown tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch boasts a snappy sound profile, adding a unique and exciting element to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Jupiter Brown and Polaris Purple switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they provide a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Jupiter Brown switch is also characterized as having a stepped feel, offering a more subtle tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. Similarly, the Polaris Purple switch provides a big and exhilarating tactile bump, adding to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, the Polaris Purple switch offers a more exhilarating and snappy typing experience with a big tactile bump. Both switches feature high-precision molds and polished finishes, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking for.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams and a more traditional keystroke feel, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lower bottom out force of 67 grams and a more pronounced tactile bump for a exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purple could be the switch for you. Both switches offer a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style, so consider trying out both switches to see which one feels and sounds best to you.
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