Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it's important to note that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is highly regarded for its tactile feedback and softer backlight effects, thanks to its high-precision molds and two-stage springs, providing a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Miaowu stands out for its smooth keystroke action and enhanced stem stability, utilizing POK in its stem for a unique touch. While the Jupiter Banana is described as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', the Miaowu is labeled as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. Both switches have their own merits, making them suitable for various typing styles and 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
59g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Miaowu utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while both switches share this feature, the differences lie in their bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Jupiter Banana features nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the KTT Miaowu's nylon bottom housing. Nylon, known for its softer nature, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice in bottom housing material impacts the overall typing experience and the sound profile when bottoming out the keys.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Jupiter Banana creates a unique typing experience with distinct sound characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu also offers a similar typing experience with its choice of housing materials, highlighting the importance of understanding how each material contributes to the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the KTT Miaowu linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Jupiter Banana requires more force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana is also heavier at 69 grams compared to the Miaowu at 50 grams. This indicates that the Jupiter Banana will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Miaowu will offer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches have different weight characteristics, catering to users who prefer either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is slightly shorter than the KTT Miaowu linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, and both would provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for those who may prefer a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound with immersive auditory experiences. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with smooth and refined finishes resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Conversely, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana switch leans towards a high-pitched and polished feel, the Miaowu switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but it is worth noting that both switches are designed to offer a premium typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile feedback with a polished and creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear switch with a clacky feel and bouncy feedback, the Miaowu could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing sensation and sound profile you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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