Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Purple Click stand out as two popular options that cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Banana, known for its tactile feedback, boasts a unique design with high-precision molds that enhance its softer backlight effects. Its two-stage springs provide a strong return and consistent feel, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a polished, creamy typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click offers a distinctive clicky feel, characterized by a high-pitched, satisfying sound that adds an invigorating auditory element to typing. While it maintains a light keystroke and a pronounced tactile response, it achieves a balance that is pleasing without being overwhelming. Those who prioritize a smooth yet tactile experience might gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana, while those who revel in audible feedback could find joy in the Purple Click. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Purple Click switches exhibit noteworthy similarities, particularly in their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, making both switches ideal for users who prefer a bright auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing enhances RGB lighting effects, providing an aesthetically pleasing experience for those who enjoy customized keyboard backlighting. As a result, users can expect a similar sound and visual interaction from both switches due to the identical material used for the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches introduce a distinct variation, as they are constructed from nylon. This material choice reflects a classic approach among mechanical switches, as nylon is known for its softer characteristics. Consequently, this results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The soft plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate, creating a rounded and subdued auditory experience. While both the Jupiter Banana and the Purple Click maintain this nylon bottom housing, their combined effects with the polycarbonate top housing lead to a unique balance of sound characteristics. Each switch, therefore, offers a hybrid sound profile formed from the interplay of a bright top-end and a mellow bottom-end.
Overall, when pressing down on either switch, the user will experience the qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing, characterized by its deeper sound, while the release of the key will showcase the crispness that the polycarbonate top housing provides. This duality highlights how the interaction between the two materials shapes the overall typing experience. While both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Purple Click utilize the same materials in their respective housings, it is this combination of polycarbonate and nylon that ultimately defines their sound and feel, allowing both switches to resonate well with users who appreciate distinct audio feedback in conjunction with smooth tactile performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Purple Click switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. This lighter force can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions, making it a good choice for users who value comfort and endurance, such as for work or extended gaming. Therefore, if you're looking for a heavier switch for more tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana would be your best option, while the Purple Click is suited for those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we find that the Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Purple Click measures a longer 4 mm. This difference highlights a key consideration for users: the Jupiter Banana offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Purple Click, with its more traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and depth when typing, as it allows for a more deliberate keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the depth of the keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 and KTT Purple Click switches both deliver a resonant auditory experience, characterized by their higher-pitched tones. The Jupiter Banana produces a sharp and crisp sound, which is particularly appealing for those who prefer a cleaner auditory profile without the deeper bass found in some other switches. Meanwhile, the Purple Click's crunchy sound mimics the satisfying noise of stepping on autumn leaves, providing an engaging auditory feedback. Both switches, while distinct in their specific auditory attributes, offer a clean and immersive sound due in part to their resonant qualities, though the exact experience can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Banana stands out with its polished and creamy texture, making for a smooth and refined typing experience. The factory lubrication contributes to a silky sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers an invigorating tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. Its stepped design allows for a noticeable tactile bump without overwhelming the typist, adding a sprightly and reactive feel to each keystroke. Together, they represent two different approaches to tactile feedback, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on a smooth, fluid typing experience and the Purple Click emphasizing pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana excels in delivering a refined and smooth typing experience with a crisp auditory profile, whereas the Purple Click focuses on pronounced tactile feedback and an engaging crunchy sound. Ultimately, choosing between them will come down to personal preference regarding the type of auditory and tactile sensations one desires from a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the desired auditory experience. If you prefer a heavier key press with a polished and creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams offers a satisfying resistance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial feedback while typing. This switch shines in environments where you want a strong tactile sensation without overwhelming auditory distractions, as its high-pitched, resonant sound profile contributes to a crisp and clean typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a pronounced click, the KTT Purple Click offers a delightful option with its 55 grams of bottom out force. Its crunchy, invigorating feedback makes it perfect for users who enjoy the satisfying snap of a clicky switch while still retaining a relatively easy actuation. This switch is particularly suited for typing enthusiasts who love that rhythmic noise, reminiscent of crunching leaves underfoot. In conclusion, whether you prioritize a polished tactile feel or a pronounced auditory response, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your unique typing style.
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