TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant character and bassier undertones, providing an engaging auditory experience with its feathery and easy-to-press keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a polished and creamy typing experience with its high-pitched keys. While the Flaming Purple may appeal to those who enjoy a low-pitched and silky key feel, the Jupiter Banana caters to individuals who prefer a more resonant and consistent tactile response. 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
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the Flaming Purple and the Gateron Jupiter Banana utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this feature, the difference in appearance may be a deciding factor for some users, with the Flaming Purple offering a unique purple hue compared to the Jupiter Banana's more traditional yellow color.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Flaming Purple and the Gateron Jupiter Banana use nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in housing material means that both switches will share a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing contributing significantly to the overall switch performance.
Overall, the choice between the Flaming Purple and the Gateron Jupiter Banana may come down to personal preference in terms of color and aesthetics, as both switches offer similar qualities in terms of their housing materials. Whether you prefer the unique purple hue of the Flaming Purple or the bold yellow of the Jupiter Banana, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their polycarbonate top housing creating a sharp sound profile and their nylon bottom housing producing a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality build with their housing materials contributing to a premium typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is lighter in both aspects. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. The Flaming Purple offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for those looking for a more effortless keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different options based on individual preferences - lighter for extended use and heavier for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The difference of only 0.2 mm may not be noticeable to some users, but it could impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times may lean towards the Jupiter Banana, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Flaming Purple. Ultimately, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market for their potential benefits in speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Purple linear switch offers a bassier and resonant tone, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, ensuring a clean and sharp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users may enjoy the deeper richness of the Flaming Purple or the sharp crispness of the Jupiter Banana.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy feel, providing a sleek and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer the light and effortless actuation of the Flaming Purple or the refined and creamy feel of the Jupiter Banana will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a bassier sound and a feathery typing feel, the Jupiter Banana provides a higher-pitched sound and a polished, creamy tactile experience. Both switches have their unique strengths and can cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual typing needs. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person on a keyboard with preferred keycaps will provide the most accurate assessment of which switch is the best fit for personal use.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams, a bassier and resonant sound profile, and a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, then the TTC Flaming Purple switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams, a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, and a polished and creamy typing feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal typing style and what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
