Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Laurel

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular contenders are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Laurel. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its high-precision molds that deliver a creamy and resonant feel accompanied by softer backlight effects. Its two-stage springs provide a strong return and a consistent tactile response, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate feedback on each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Laurel, a medium-light linear switch, offers a different experience with its full POM housing, which ensures durability, and a low-pitched, snappy sound profile that prioritizes smoothness and responsiveness. This makes the Laurel an ideal pick for gamers or users who want a quiet and fluid typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana favoring those who enjoy tactile feedback and the KTT Laurel appealing to users who value smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

KTT Laurel Linear

$2.80 per 10

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Laurel, we see a distinct divergence in their top housing compositions that significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is not only aesthetically pleasing when illuminated with RGB lighting but also enhances the switch's sound clarity due to its resonant qualities. In contrast, the KTT Laurel features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. POM, or polyoxymethylene, offers a unique tonal quality that leans toward a broader sound with less emphasis on sharpness compared to polycarbonate.

When we look at the bottom housings of these switches, the Jupiter Banana opts for nylon while the Laurel employs POM, leading to more similarities in their sound profiles. Nylon is a classic choice, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs sound better than harder materials. This contrasts with the POM bottom housing of the Laurel, which also aims to create a unique sound profile but maintains a deeper, more muted quality similar to that of nylon. As a result, typing on both switches can elicit a rich auditory experience, although the nuances will differ based on the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials.

The differing top and bottom housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Banana and KTT Laurel showcase how the interaction between these materials impacts sound. While the Jupiter's polycarbonate top brings a bright and crispy sound when releasing the key, the nylon bottom influences the overall typing experience with deep and full feedback upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Laurel’s unique POM top still offers a muted and pleasant sound, complemented by the equally deep acoustic qualities brought by its POM bottom housing. Although their compositions vary, users can expect distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences from both switches due to the interplay of their unique housing materials, which results in a diverse auditory canvas.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana switch features a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lightweight switch. This difference means that users who favor a lighter switch for longer typing sessions will likely prefer the KTT Laurel, while those seeking a more substantial, firmer typing experience would find the Gateron Jupiter Banana more satisfying. Overall, typists aiming for comfort during extended use should gravitate towards the Laurel, while those wishing for a heftier keystroke should consider the Jupiter Banana.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we see a slight variation: the Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Laurel measures at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Jupiter Banana is the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel, with its longer travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke, offering a deeper feel that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Jupiter Banana providing a bit more responsiveness and the Laurel favoring a hearty depth in keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch produces a distinct high-pitched and resonant sound profile. This sharp and crisp auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more bright and cutting sound when engaging with their keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch provides a low-pitched sound that leans towards a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, offering a quieter and less intrusive auditory experience. It’s important to note that while the inherent sound characteristics of each switch are different, the overall sound produced can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

Focusing on the feel of the switches, the Jupiter Banana switch delivers a uniquely polished and creamy sensation, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. This buttery texture allows users to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys, enhancing overall comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is characterized by its snappy responsiveness. Its medium-light actuation and design contribute to a lively and engaging typing experience that feels distinctly reactive, allowing each keystroke to feel adequately pronounced without excess force.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and KTT Laurel switches present contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The Jupiter Banana switches offer a brighter, more resonant sound and a smooth, creamy feel, perfect for users who enjoy a precise auditory feedback coupled with a luxurious typing surface. Meanwhile, the KTT Laurel switches provide a deeper, low-pitched sound paired with a snappy and responsive feel, catering to those who favor a more subdued acoustic profile with a lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but both can deliver comfortable and satisfying results in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a more tactile typing experience with a bit of resistance, the Jupiter Banana, with its 69-gram bottom-out force and distinct high-pitched, resonant sound profile, could be your ideal choice. The tactile feedback from these switched ensures that you feel each keystroke distinctly, enhancing your typing experience, particularly if you're someone who enjoys a stronger return and a polished, creamy feel under your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, snappy feel while typing or gaming, the KTT Laurel, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and low-pitched sound, might be better suited for you. Its quick response and comfort make it a fantastic option for extended typing sessions or high-action gaming, appealing to those who appreciate a more fluid motion with less resistance. Ultimately, consider what you value more in your typing experience—tactile feedback versus a smooth linear action—as this will guide you in choosing the switch that best fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more