KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their unique characteristics that set them apart. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch that is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that blends tradition with innovation, offering a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and high-precision molds. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Jupiter Brown is categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 main difference between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown lies in the materials used for their housing components. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Jupiter Brown also utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This means that both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, both switches will benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Jupiter Brown also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for similar acoustic qualities.
In terms of typing experience, the difference in bottom housing material between the Cream Yellow and the Jupiter Brown will be more noticeable. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow will contribute to a softer and more absorbing sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown will also provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. When comparing the two switches, users may find that the Cream Yellow offers a slightly different bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Jupiter Brown, despite both switches sharing similar top housing characteristics. This showcases how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Ultimately, whether you choose the KTT Cream Yellow or the Gateron Jupiter Brown, you can expect a quality keyboard switch with unique acoustic properties. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the differentiation in bottom housing material provides a subtle distinction in the typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from a nylon bottom housing or a more resonant sound from a polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer a combination of materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. So, regardless of the choice between the Cream Yellow and the Jupiter Brown, users can expect a high-quality switch that delivers a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams to bottom out. This means that the Cream Yellow provides a lighter initial typing experience but requires more force to fully press the key, whereas the Jupiter Brown offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Cream Yellow may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch at 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a bit more depth in feeling with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for response time and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow linear switch is well-known for its distinctively clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem design, which provides a crisp and percussive feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is recognized for its bouncy typing experience, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, providing users with a satisfying rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is described as having a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls somewhere in the middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown switch features a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is characterized by its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, providing a lively and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch offers a more traditional tactile feel with a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, catering to different user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a more classic tactile keystroke feel with a polished and stepped sensation, the Jupiter Brown switch could be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.