KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Jupiter Red stand out as popular options. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch designed to provide a satisfying tactile response without being too intrusive, offering a light touch with crisp actuation. In contrast, the Jupiter Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to a single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Jupiter Red falls under 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Jupiter Red both use polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, providing more clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Ash Gray and Jupiter Red each have unique characteristics in their bottom housing materials. The Ash Gray utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in sound but with a slight difference in overall feel and impact.
Although both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their nylon bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing experience. While the Ash Gray provides a distinct sound and feel with its nylon bottom housing, the Jupiter Red offers a similar deep and full sound profile with a slightly different touch and impact due to its own nylon bottom housing material. The separation of housing materials in switches can impact both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique combinations of housing materials.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Jupiter Red showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, allowing for a sharp and clear sound, their nylon bottom housing materials offer unique characteristics in sound and impact. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing or the slightly varied feel of the Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing material combinations. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, the Ash Gray is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jupiter Red. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Jupiter Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Ash Gray may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Jupiter Red may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Red. The Ash Gray's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster reaction speeds. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more significant tactile feedback. Both switches have their advantages, with the Ash Gray being better for speed and the Jupiter Red for a more pronounced key press experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch are described as having a neutral profile. This means that they both produce a moderate sound level, making them suitable for various environments and users. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is characterized as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red linear switch is described as polished, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches fall within the category of mild switches, offering a comfortable typing feel that should appeal to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ash Gray switch provides a light touch and crisp actuation for a tactile typing experience, the Jupiter Red switch offers a seamless and consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for tactile feedback versus a linear typing experience. Regardless of the choice, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction in sound and feel from either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a lighter tactile feedback with a medium-light bottom out force, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear keystroke with a medium bottom out force, the Jupiter Red switch may be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, preferences, and the type of keyboard experience you are looking for when making your decision. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing feel, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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