Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Purple Star stand out as two excellent options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch known for blending tradition with innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience due to its all-POM construction and light 45g bottom-out. While the Jupiter Brown may appeal to those looking for a more traditional typing experience with enhanced backlight effects, the Purple Star caters to light typists who prefer a smoother 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Purple Star both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate of the Jupiter Brown is ideal for RGB lighting, whereas the Purple Star's POM housing offers a unique and pleasing look.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Jupiter Brown's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound, creating a consistent experience across both switches. The differences in material between the top and bottom housings add variety to the overall sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Purple Star offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials. While the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown and the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star contribute to their respective sound profiles, with the softer nylon creating a fuller sound compared to the muted sound of the POM material. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Brown is heavier, while the Purple Star 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 Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Purple Star, as it allows for easier typing over longer periods of time. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered traditional travel distances, offering a balance between speed and depth of keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 are described as having a medium-pitched typing sound, offering a balanced and enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches are characterized as providing a mild and polished typing experience. They offer a gentle keystroke with a smooth and refined finish, appealing to a wide range of users. Additionally, the stepped design of these switches gives a slight two-stage tactile feedback, adding a layer of sophistication to the typing feel. Similarly, the KTT Purple Star switches offer a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. These switches are ideal for those who prefer a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches and the KTT Purple Star linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Brown switches provide a medium-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel with a stepped design, the Purple Star switches offer a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press typing experience with a light actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and typing experience. If you enjoy a more traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and appreciate high-precision molds, the Jupiter Brown may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light key bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the most enjoyable typing experience possible.
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