TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Jupiter Banana. The Flame Red is a linear switch that is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it a top choice for those who prefer a backlit RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving it a neutral, mild, polished categorization. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana from Gateron is a tactile switch that stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. Equipped with two-stage springs, these switches ensure a strong return and consistent feel, characterized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, resonant. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer distinct characteristics that influence the sound and feel of typing. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar sound profile as the top housing, the Jupiter Banana also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the deep and full sound typical of nylon material.
Despite the differences in material between the top and bottom housings of the Flame Red and Jupiter Banana switches, both housing materials offer a deep and full sound profile. The use of nylon in both bottom housings contributes to a similar typing experience, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate in the Flame Red and Jupiter Banana, respectively, result in distinct sound profiles when pressing down on the keys and releasing them. The split qualities of the different housing materials offer a unique combination of sound and feel depending on the type of switch used.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Jupiter Banana plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housing materials differ in creating either a duller and rounder sound (nylon) or a sharper and clearer sound (polycarbonate). Understanding how the top and bottom housings influence the sound and feel of typing can help individuals choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that the Flame Red is lighter overall. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required for typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Flame Red more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance compared to the Flame Red. The Flame Red's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and may provide a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's 3.4 mm travel distance is on the shallower side, which can lead to faster response times preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it affects your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
The Gateron Jupiter Banana 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 Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as high-pitched and resonant, producing a sharp and crisp sound with a higher-pitched profile. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more neutral sound of the Flame Red or the sharper sound of the Jupiter Banana for their typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. With a gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, the Flame Red switch offers a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Jupiter Banana switch is known for its creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes. Both switches provide a polished typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana offering a creamier feel compared to the mild and polished feel of the Flame Red.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, users can expect similar results in terms of the polished feel provided by both switches. However, where they differ is in sound profile, with the Flame Red offering a more neutral sound and the Jupiter Banana providing a higher-pitched and resonant sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a visually striking appearance with a smooth and weighty typing experience, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a high-precision mold for consistent typing feedback and softer backlight effects, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences for visuals, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure you get the best typing experience for your needs.
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