Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis both offer unique features and benefits for users to consider. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, making it ideal for users who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is also tactile but features a lighter actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Jupiter Brown focuses on reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, the Phalaenopsis switch provides a satisfying tactile bump for each 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
The different bottom housing materials of the Jupiter Brown and Phalaenopsis result in distinct typing experiences. While the Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing preserves the sharp and crisp sound produced by the top housing. This divergence in sound profiles showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can influence the overall feel and sound of a switch. Despite this difference, both switches maintain a consistent theme of offering a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
In conclusion, the contrasting bottom housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and KTT Phalaenopsis play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether it be through nylon or polycarbonate, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown is heavier while the Phalaenopsis is lighter. The Jupiter Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Jupiter Brown may be the preferred choice due to its heavier forces. However, for users looking for a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods of time without fatigue, the Phalaenopsis may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, but users can expect similar results in terms of performance depending on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is equal, resulting in a similar tactile experience for users of both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Phalaenopsis, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches have a traditional and classic sound profile that is not explicitly defined in the provided information. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as having a bassy and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer acoustic experience during key presses. This difference suggests that the Phalaenopsis switches may produce a more distinctive and satisfying sound compared to the Jupiter Browns, which may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more resonant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by a gentle keystroke and smooth key travel. These qualities make them approachable to most users and provide a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Phalaenopsis switches are also described as having a stepped feel, meaning they offer a two-stage tactile sensation with some pre-travel or post-travel. This similarity in feel between the two switches suggests that users can expect a comparable level of tactility and feedback from both the Jupiter Browns and Phalaenopsis switches.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Browns provide a classic keystroke feel with medium-heavy weight and high-precision molds, the Phalaenopsis switches offer a lighter actuation force and a more distinctive tactile bump for a delightful typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the traditional elegance of the Jupiter Browns or the effortless typing experience of the Phalaenopsis switches. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider your preference for key weight, typing experience, and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic keystroke feel with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for effortless typing and a discernible tactile bump, the Phalaenopsis switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, the Phalaenopsis's 'Bassy' and 'Thocky' descriptors may appeal to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.
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