Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it's important to note the unique characteristics that set them apart. The Jupiter Browns offer a classic tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight and high-precision molds, making them ideal for those who appreciate a traditional keystroke feel with a touch of innovation. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemons from KTT provide a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to their progressive spring and dry-lube design, appealing to users looking for a more neutral and low-pitched switch. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housing materials leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting. Both switches offer a similar aesthetic appeal and sound experience due to their shared housing material.
On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown and the Sea Salt Lemon differ in their bottom housing materials. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience, showcasing the classic qualities of nylon in creating a distinctive sound profile.
Overall, the qualities of the housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience with distinct sound profiles attributed to their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch. The Jupiter Brown requires 55 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 70 grams to bottom out, while the Sea Salt Lemon only requires 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Jupiter Brown. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the option to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it is clear that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom. This means users can expect consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation point. Whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with a familiar travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $2.80. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Jupiter Brown and Sea Salt Lemon.
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 tactile switch offers a traditional, medium-heavy keystroke sound that is likely to be more pronounced and satisfying for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is more subtle and mellow, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch are described as providing a mild typing experience. The Jupiter Brown switch offers a polished and stepped feel, resulting in a smooth and refined keystroke with a more gentle tactile feedback. Similarly, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is also described as mild, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that is approachable to most users. This shared quality of a mild typing experience ensures that users can expect a comfortable and consistent feel with both switches, making them suitable for a wide range of typing needs.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more traditional and pronounced keystroke sound, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more subtle and mellow sound profile. Both switches offer a mild typing experience with unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the weight preference for your typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a more classic keystroke feel, the Jupiter Brown would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force for a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a better fit. Additionally, take into account the sound profile and feel of each switch to ensure it aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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