TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, giving it a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, making it a top choice for those who prefer a seamless typing experience. Both switches are categorized as polished, silky, and mild, but each offers unique features that may appeal 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Jupiter Red switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the lighting to shine through. In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a balanced sound experience.
The TTC Gold Red and Gateron Jupiter Red switches share similar characteristics in terms of their housing materials. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to the material's softer nature. Despite some differences in the design of their housings, both switches offer a unique sound experience that combines the qualities of both polycarbonate and nylon to provide a satisfying typing experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is evident that the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon are distributed throughout the top and bottom housings of the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Jupiter Red switches. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. By combining the characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials, both switches are able to achieve a balanced sound profile that appeals to a wide range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, the actuation force of the Gold Red is 43 grams, lighter than the Jupiter Red's 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Gold Red is also lighter at 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 60 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferred by individuals looking for a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, but the weight of the switches will determine the typing experience for the user. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Red, while those seeking a bit more resistance may choose the Jupiter Red for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth keystroke experience with their 4 mm travel distance. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the Jupiter Red, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The Gateron Jupiter Red 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 looking at the sound profile of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches, the Gold Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a neutral overall tone, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red also maintains a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. As both switches are described as neutral, users can expect a similar sound profile from either option, with slight differences in pitch and richness depending on individual preferences and the keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Red provides a mild and silky typing experience, with a subtle and polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of key presses. This switch offers a gentle resistance and refined typing feel, suitable for shared spaces. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Red features a polished and creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. With similarities in being both polished and silky, users can expect a similar level of smoothness and ease of typing on either switch, with slight variations in the tactile feedback and resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches both offer a smooth and consistent typing experience with subtle differences in sound and feel. While the Gold Red provides a thocky sound and a mild typing feel, the Jupiter Red offers a creamier sound and feel. However, both switches share neutral sound profiles and polished, silky finishes, ensuring users will get a comparable typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile, keypress feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a snappy sound profile, the TTC Gold Red switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a smoother typing experience with softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch might be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your specific typing needs and preferences.