Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Pine offer unique features for different preferences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch known for its blend of tradition and innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is a linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience due to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. The Jupiter Brown is categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped', while the Pine is described as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons to choose them, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
While both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Pine feature polycarbonate top housing, the main difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Pine sticks with polycarbonate for its bottom housing, delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the material's stiffer composition. This results in a variation in typing experience between the two switches, with the Jupiter Brown offering a more muted and rounder sound while the Pine produces a clearer and more resonant sound.
The choice of housing materials in the Jupiter Brown and KTT Pine also affects the overall aesthetics of the switches. Both switches feature a clear top housing made of polycarbonate, allowing for translucency that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials adds another layer to their visual appeal. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing may contribute to a more classic and understated look, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency in its design. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch offers a unique blend of sound, feel, and visual elements.
In terms of typing experience, the different housing materials in the Jupiter Brown and KTT Pine result in distinct tactile feedback. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound produced when a key is released, adding an extra layer of customization to the typing experience. While both switches offer similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, it is the variation in bottom housing materials that sets them apart and provides users with different typing experiences based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Pine switch is lighter in both aspects. The Jupiter Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Pine features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a lighter typing experience, suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Despite the difference in forces, both switches offer a unique typing feel that caters to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and actuation force when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. The consistent 4mm travel distance on both switches allows for a reliable and uniform typing experience, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the smooth linear action of the Pine. Overall, the travel distance on these switches is identical, providing users with a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a classic and traditional typing experience without specific descriptors provided. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. When comparing the two, the Jupiter Brown may provide a more neutral and traditional typing sound, while the Pine switch will offer a deeper and more bass-heavy tone, providing a different auditory experience for the user.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with a two-stage tactile feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing sensation with a factory-lubed finish. While the Jupiter Brown switch may provide a more balanced and subtly tactile typing feel, the Pine switch will offer an ultra-smooth and buttery keystroke experience, catering to users who prefer a more seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Browns provide a classic and traditional typing sound and feel, suited for those who prefer a more neutral and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a buttery and creamy feel, perfect for users looking for a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, but both switches are designed to provide high-quality performance and aesthetic appeal for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, you should first think about your preference in typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, along with a mild and polished typing experience, the Jupiter Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium weight, and appreciate switches that offer a creamy and seamless sensation, then the KTT Pine linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preference.
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