Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Mint stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Mint is a linear switch beloved for its smoothness and poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, providing a light and fleeting typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Mint falls into the low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished category. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you determine the best switch for your personal preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Mint feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these switches leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the KTT Mint's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may offer a slightly different tactile experience due to the characteristics of nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a keyboard switch significantly influences the sound and feel of typing. The split between top and bottom housing materials can directly impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite similarities in top housing material between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Mint, the difference in bottom housing material may result in slightly varied sound profiles and typing experiences between the two switches.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Mint linear switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams of force to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Mint only needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mint switch, as it allows for longer periods of use without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Banana for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Mint's longer travel distance might offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91.
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
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various purposes. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a sharper sound and the Mint providing a more moderate and mellow tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jupiter Banana is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a sleek and refined finish. Both switches focus on providing a comfortable typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana emphasizing a buttery sensation while the Mint aims for a more approachable and gentle feel.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Banana leans towards a high-pitched and creamy typing experience, the Mint provides a low-pitched and mild feel. However, both switches feature polished finishes, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile and buttery feel or a mellow tone and gentle typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-light bottom out force and prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, then the KTT Mint would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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