KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, it's essential to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Glimp, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light feel and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a consistent and strong return. While the Glimp switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile and a mildly neutral feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished, high-pitched sensation with a creamy and resonant touch. Both switches have their distinct advantages, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Banana are quite similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Glimp and the Jupiter Banana differ in their bottom housing material, with the Glimp featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana, which leads to a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the benefits of having a polycarbonate top housing, the contrasting nylon bottom housing material of the Glimp and the Jupiter Banana provide different typing experiences. The Glimp's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs less sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials showcases how the qualities of each material can affect the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the switch's sound profile.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Banana contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. Both switches benefit from the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the top housing, with the Glimp offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on the sound and feel of mechanical switches can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch vary significantly. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Glimp for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Jupiter Banana. These differences in force can impact the overall typing experience, with the lighter Glimp offering a gentler keystroke and the heavier Jupiter Banana providing a more pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. Shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, so those looking for quick and precise keystrokes may lean towards the Jupiter Banana. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress with a bit more depth may opt for the Glimp. Ultimately, both switches offer a good balance between distance and response time, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 KTT Glimp linear switch is described as having a fairly clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as producing a high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a cleaner and sharper sound profile, the Jupiter Banana might be more suitable for you. However, both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance your typing experience, depending on your personal preference and setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Glimp linear switch is highlighted for its creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. The mild characteristics of the Glimp switch provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Meanwhile, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a creamy typing experience that allows for effortless keystrokes, making them enjoyable options for those seeking comfort and ease while typing.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Glimp switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana switch produces a high-pitched sound with a polished typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, either of these switches can be a great choice for enhancing your mechanical keyboard setup. By choosing between these switches, you can achieve similar results in terms of quality and satisfaction based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Glimp may be the ideal choice for you. The Glimp offers a satisfying typing experience with its comfortable actuation force and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana from Gateron might be more fitting. With its two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel, the Jupiter Banana provides a different typing experience compared to the Glimp. Ultimately, your preference for a specific bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel will determine which switch best suits your needs. Consider these factors when making your decision to ensure you select the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
