Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for typists. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream from KTT is a linear switch that stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Jupiter Banana is described as polished and high-pitched, the Vanilla Ice Cream is buttery and marbly. Both switches have resonant qualities, but the Vanilla Ice Cream also offers a clacky sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique characteristics. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a proprietary KTT blend top housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on clarity and resonance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream leans towards a crisp and clacky typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, offering a smooth, clacky, and durable typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana prioritizes a rounder sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels in smoothness and durability with its POK material, showcasing a different set of qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound.

Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches are crafted with the aim of providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a harmonious blend of qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of each keystroke. Whether you prefer the sharp and clear sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing in the Jupiter Banana or the smooth and clacky typing experience of the POK bottom housing in the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Jupiter Banana requires an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which falls on the lighter side of the spectrum. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force indicates the pressure required to press the key all the way down. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Vanilla Ice Cream make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feeling when pressed compared to the Jupiter Banana switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for how much depth and responsiveness you desire in a switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are described as high-pitched and resonant, providing users with a clean and sharp sound profile. The Jupiter Banana offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a marbly, resonant sound reminiscent of tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Jupiter Banana is described as polished and creamy, indicating a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as buttery and creamy, providing users with a seamless and effortless typing sensation akin to gliding fingers across keys with ease. These feelings are achieved through factors such as factory lubrication and specific materials used in the switches.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer different sound profiles – with the Jupiter Banana being sharper and the Vanilla Ice Cream being more resonant – they both provide users with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Whether you prefer a high-pitched sound with a sharp feel or a marbly sound with a creamy feel, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and offer unique characteristics that cater to various preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along 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, a high-pitched and marbly sound profile, and a buttery and creamy typing sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more