Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Laurel. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, featuring high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the Laurel is a linear switch known for its medium-light feel, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. While the Jupiter Brown is ideal for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a traditional touch, the Laurel is perfect for users who favor a smooth and consistent keystroke. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Laurel, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Laurel boasts a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer their own unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Brown provides a crisper and more resonant sound compared to the POM top housing of the Laurel.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Laurel also features a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities their respective bottom housing materials bring, with the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown offering a different sound experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Laurel.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Laurel, both switches provide a distinct sound profile based on their housing materials. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings result in a combination of sharpness and resonance from the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Brown, and a deep and muted sound from the POM top and bottom housings of the Laurel. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique sound experience for users seeking a specific sound profile for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch with the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown is the heavier of the two. The Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option. The actuation force of a switch determines how much force is needed to register a keystroke, with the Jupiter Brown requiring a medium-heavy force compared to the light force needed for the Laurel. The bottom out force indicates the amount of pressure needed to fully press a key, with the Jupiter Brown again requiring a heavier force than the Laurel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. In this case, the Laurel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown switch. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Laurel switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may favor the Jupiter Brown switch. Both switches offer their own unique feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown 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 Brown tactile switch is known for its distinctive clicky sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which delivers a more subtle and mellow tone during typing sessions. While both switches produce sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown's clicky nature may be more pronounced compared to the quieter sound of the KTT Laurel linear switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, its stepped design provides a gentle typing experience with a medium-heavy weight. Conversely, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience due to its long pole design and short travel. This results in a more lively feel compared to the classic keystroke feel of the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Gateron Jupiter Brown provides a traditional and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, the KTT Laurel offers a more modern and snappy feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with a more classic feel and slightly higher pitch sound, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a more modern linear feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel switch might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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