Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch, offer distinct experiences for users. The Jupiter Banana is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a tactile feedback with a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is favored for its pillowy light type feel and satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, resulting in a smooth linear typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana offers a polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant typing experience, the Wine Red provides a bassy and low-pitched feel. When choosing a switch, the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those seeking a tactile feedback with a softer feel, while the Wine Red may be preferred by those looking for a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience. 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 Wine Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Wine Red, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Jupiter Banana features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate.

Despite having different bottom housing materials, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and KTT Wine Red share similarities in the qualities brought by their respective top housings. Both switches benefit from the clear, translucent nature of polycarbonate, allowing for enhanced sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, where they diverge is in the feel and sound produced by the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red maintains a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing feedback.

When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, with the softer nylon of the Jupiter Banana providing a more cushioned typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Wine Red. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released, with both switches benefiting from the sharp and crisp sound profile of polycarbonate. Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the user's typing experience, from the sound profile to the tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier touch compared to the Wine Red. With an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, the Jupiter Banana offers a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Wine Red features lighter forces with an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. The Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red's lighter forces may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Wine Red switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Wine Red may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a sharp and clean sound profile that can be engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound, with a lower frequency range that adds depth and richness to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Jupiter Banana may be favored for its high-pitched and resonant sound, while the Wine Red may be preferred for its bassy and low-pitched tones.

Moving on to feel, the Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches can feel effortless and silky, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. As for the KTT Wine Red linear switch, unfortunately, specific information regarding its feel is not available. However, based on the provided description of a pillowy light type feel, it may offer a softer and cushioned typing experience compared to the Jupiter Banana.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out for its high-pitched and resonant sound, as well as its polished and creamy feel that ensures a consistent and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is favored for its deep and rich bassy sound profile and potentially soft and cushioned typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a sharper, cleaner sound or a deeper, richer sound, as well as a polished, smooth feel or a potentially softer, cushioned feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy high-precision molds with softer backlight effects, then the Jupiter Banana switch is the way to go. The two-stage springs in these switches provide a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a pillowy light typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red linear switch is a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer high-pitched and resonant sounds or bassy and low-pitched tones, as well as whether you prefer polished and creamy switch feels. Consider these factors when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more