Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, you have some important considerations to make. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a tactile typing experience with a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, thanks to its long spring and factory-lubed components. While the Jupiter Banana is known for its polished and high-pitched qualities, the KTT Orange offers a low-pitched sound profile. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Orange, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the Jupiter Banana differs in its use of a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast may result in a difference in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
The choice of using different materials for the top and bottom housing in the Jupiter Banana and the Orange is significant as it impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, particularly noticeable during bottom-out. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, contributing to a more resonant typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material may appeal to individuals seeking either a softer, more muted sound or a sharper, more distinct sound in their typing.
Ultimately, while the top housing material of both the Jupiter Banana and the Orange may provide similar sound profiles, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing influence the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier touch compared to the Orange. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Orange switch will offer a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for users looking to type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana will provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Orange switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. While the 0.1 mm difference may not seem significant, it can still affect the overall typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the KTT Orange for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch has a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the higher-pitched sound of the Jupiter Banana for a more immersive auditory experience, while others may gravitate towards the smoother, low-pitched sound of the Orange switch.
Moving on to the feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, boasting a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, is labeled as bouncy and frictionless, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel and extremely smooth key presses. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on a sleek and buttery typing experience, while the KTT Orange emphasizes a bouncy and frictionless feel for effortless key presses.
Taking all the available information into consideration, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana and KTT Orange switches have distinct sound and feel qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound profile coupled with a polished and creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana switch may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying and tailored keyboarding experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the key factors that matter to you most. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile switch with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a linear switch with a bouncy feel, slick typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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