KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana stand out as popular choices, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a polished and creamy typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on their 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

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Cream Yellow and Jupiter Banana switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This similarity in material for the top housing of both switches ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing or gaming.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Cream Yellow and Jupiter Banana switches feature nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic of nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different tactile sensation compared to the top housing material. Despite having different top housings, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

While the top and bottom housings of the Cream Yellow and Jupiter Banana switches differ in material, the overall typing experience is likely to be similar due to the qualities each housing material brings to the table. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent when bottoming out a key, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the nylon material. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, contributing to a sharp and resonant sound profile due to the polycarbonate material. Ultimately, users can expect a balanced sound and tactile experience from both switches, albeit with subtle differences in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is lighter in both aspects. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. The Cream Yellow provides a more effortless typing experience with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for long typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and solid key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and overall comfort.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the most traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times, making the Jupiter Banana a slightly more appealing choice in this aspect. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Cream Yellow for a more substantial feel. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience with just a slight variation in travel distance, making the choice between the two a matter of personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its clacky and percussive sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a cleaner and sharper auditory experience. While the Cream Yellow switch focuses on a distinctively clacky sound, the Jupiter Banana switch emphasizes a higher-pitched sound with immersive qualities. Both switches offer unique audio feedback that can enhance the typing experience, although individual preference will dictate which sound profile is more preferable.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its bouncy typing sensation, which provides a spring-like and lively feedback when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy sensation of the Jupiter Banana switch, coupled with the polished finish, results in a sleek and buttery typing feel that is comfortable and luxurious. While the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy and elastic feedback, the Jupiter Banana switch focuses on a more refined and creamy typing experience.

When considering the subjective qualities of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch excels in delivering a clacky and bouncy typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana switch stands out for its high-pitched and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options provide distinct and satisfying typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Cream Yellow if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, opt for the Jupiter Banana if you prefer a high-precision switch with softer backlight effects, two-stage springs for a strong return, and a polished, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you value sound and feel, with the Cream Yellow offering a sharp, percussive sound and bouncy feel, while the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched, resonant sound and a polished, creamy sensation. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more