TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Jupiter Banana can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Flaming Pink switches are renowned for their smooth, linear feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday tasks without being overly loud. Their premium responsiveness is ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer a tactile feel, characterized by their unique high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. With two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and a consistent touch, these switches cater to users who appreciate a tactile feedback with each keystroke, making them particularly appealing for typists who enjoy knowing when their key has been activated. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches share striking similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize this stiffer plastic, which enhances their sound profile by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone when typed upon. This shared characteristic creates a clear and resonant auditory experience, making both switches appealing for users who prioritize sound clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic benefit, particularly for those interested in RGB lighting effects; the light is likely to pass through effectively, illuminating the internals of both switches.
Contrasting the top housings, the bottom housings of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Jupiter Banana switch to nylon, a material known for its softer properties. This choice means that while both switches may produce a similar sound profile from the top due to the polycarbonate, they diverge in the auditory experience provided by the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to the sharper notes generated by the polycarbonate top. This combination results in a nuanced sound experience where the bottom-out sound caters to users seeking a more rounded auditory feedback, while the release sound remains crisp due to the polycarbonate top.
In essence, while sound characteristics are influenced by the different materials used in the top and bottom housings, the overall performance of both switches can be expected to yield similar results in terms of auditory clarity when pressed. The nylon creates a deeper tone upon bottoming out, whereas the polycarbonate top ensures a bright and resonant sound during key release. Users of both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Jupiter Banana can enjoy a balanced sound profile that marries the clarity of polycarbonate with the fullness of nylon, highlighting the strengths of each material effectively.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, which features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, the differences in weight are quite pronounced. The Flaming Pink switch, being lighter overall, is more suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana switch provides a medium-heavy feel, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial, particularly during fast-paced typing or gaming where feedback is essential. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the TTC Flaming Pink is the lighter option, appealing to those seeking comfort, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Banana caters to those who appreciate a heftier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke with a hearty depth, as it provides a slightly longer travel distance that can feel less abrupt. Conversely, the Jupiter Banana's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers and users looking for quick responsiveness, allowing for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more tactile experience, the TTC Flaming Pink would be the right option, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana caters to those seeking speed in their typing or gaming activities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright and pleasant auditory experience that strikes a balance between being prominent and subdued, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing sound without overwhelming noise. This makes it versatile enough for both gaming and everyday typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch features a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that delivers a sharp, crisp auditory feedback. This can create an immersive experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke. However, the final sound experience will be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycap materials, making the same switch sound different depending on those factors.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive typing action, providing users with a reliable performance ideal for extended use. It combines precision and comfort, allowing for quick keystrokes without hindrance. On the opposite end, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is characterized by its polished and creamy sensation, often enhanced by factory lubing. This results in an incredibly smooth and buttery typing experience that minimizes friction during key presses, making it feel effortless to type on. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, but the Flaming Pink emphasizes responsiveness while the Jupiter Banana prioritizes a luxuriously smooth action.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Flaming Pink produces a clean, moderate sound suitable for varied environments, the Jupiter Banana delivers a crisper, resonant auditory experience. On the tactile front, the Flaming Pink focuses on a straightforward smoothness, whereas the Jupiter Banana elevates typing with its satisfying creamy texture. Ultimately, regardless of the choice between these two switches, users can expect high-quality performance tailored to their typing style, ensuring a premium experience for both gaming and daily use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more fluid keystroke for both gaming and everyday use, the Flaming Pink is a fantastic option. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, you'll find it easy to type quickly, and its nuanced sound profile strikes a balance between being audible without being overly loud, creating a pleasant auditory backdrop. On the other hand, if you favor a more tactile response while typing and enjoy the feeling of a more substantial keystroke, the Jupiter Banana is user-friendly with its 69-gram bottom-out force. It offers a polished, creamy feel that pairs well with the high-pitched, resonant sound profile, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the tactile feedback and want a more pronounced acoustic experience. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and sound when making your decision between these two enjoyable switches.
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