Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch known for blending tradition with innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Jupiter Brown excels in its reliability and aesthetic appeal, the U4T stands out for its auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the Jupiter Brown offers a clear and resonant sound, the U4T provides a more mellow and round sound quality.
Both switches feature a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown, on the other hand, creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound vibrations. This difference in material highlights how the bottom housing can impact the overall sound profile of a switch, with the Jupiter Brown offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the U4T's rich and deep profile.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4T differ in material and sound profile, both switches share a similar bottom housing material that contributes to a rich and deep sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown's top housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile, while the U4T's proprietary plastic blend delivers a softer and more mellow sound. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound profile, with the Jupiter Brown offering a crisper sound and the U4T providing a deeper resonance.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown requires a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the unspecified actuation force of the U4T. However, they both have a similar bottom-out force, with the Jupiter Brown needing 70 grams and the U4T requiring 65 grams. This means that while the Jupiter Brown may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the U4T offers a slightly heavier feel for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom-out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. Therefore, users can expect to have a similar tactile experience with either switch in terms of travel distance. This makes them comparable in this aspect, as both offer a consistent travel distance for typing or gaming activities. The Gazzew U4T does not have a longer or shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown, as they are both equal in this regard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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 Gazzew U4T tactile switch stands out for its bassy and thocky profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a yet-to-be-defined sound quality. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures a sleek key travel. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown features a stepped design that provides a two-stage keystroke sensation, offering a balance between tactility and comfort. In comparison, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is characterized by a sharp tactile feedback, delivering a strong and crisp bump with each keystroke for a heightened typing experience.
Overall, while both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Browns combine tradition with innovation, providing a medium-heavy weight keystroke with reliable performance and soft backlight effects. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts deliver a thocky and bassy sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic keystroke feel with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy 'thock' sound profile and sharp tactile feedback for auditory and tactile satisfaction, the U4T could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prioritize a more traditional typing experience with the Jupiter Brown or a unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility with the U4T. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, so it's important to choose based on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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