Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The Jupiter Banana is renowned for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a tactile experience with a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine stands out for its medium-heavy build, buttery smooth keystrokes, and factory-lubed finish for minimal friction. While the Jupiter Banana is described as polished, high-pitched, and resonant, the Pine is characterized as bassy, buttery, and low-pitched. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Pine, it becomes evident that both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana utilizes nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Pine uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper and clearer sound profile associated with the material.
The distinction between the bottom housing materials of the Jupiter Banana and the KTT Pine highlights the impact that these components have on the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper characteristics of the material. This difference may result in varied typing experiences depending on the user's preference for sound feedback. However, the shared polycarbonate top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile when releasing a key, emphasizing the importance of material selection in different parts of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Pine plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a consistent sharp and clear sound, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the variation in bottom housing materials, with nylon in the Jupiter Banana and polycarbonate in the Pine, offers contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall switch performance can help users make informed decisions based on their sound and typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Jupiter Banana switch heavier to press down initially. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Jupiter Banana requires 69 grams of force while the Pine requires 58 grams, making the Pine switch heavier to fully press down. This means that while the Jupiter Banana may feel heavier at the start of the keystroke, the Pine switch is heavier overall when considering the full press. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, with the Jupiter Banana on the medium-heavy side and the Pine on the medium side. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter initial press or a heavier overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a shorter distance of 3.4 mm compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has a longer distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Pine's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so it's important to consider what suits your typing style best.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and richer auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Jupiter Banana may be more appealing to those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound, while the Pine may be favored by individuals looking for a deeper, bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and KTT Pine switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Jupiter Banana is described as polished and creamy, boasting reduced friction and smooth key travel due to its high-quality materials and factory lubing. Similarly, the KTT Pine switch is noted for its buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Ultimately, both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use for the user.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and KTT Pine linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and polished typing experience, the Pine offers a bassy and buttery smooth feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. As both switches prioritize smooth key travel and consistent feel, users can expect similar levels of comfort and performance from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile feel with a high-precision mold and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, buttery typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a linear switch design, the KTT Pine switch could be more suited to your needs. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana may be more appealing, while if you prefer a bassy, low-pitched sound, the Pine switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and switch design.
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