Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Strawberry. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a blend of tradition and innovation, with a classic keystroke feel and medium-heavy weight thanks to its single-stage spring mechanism. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, housed in an attractive pink and clear casing. The Jupiter Brown is categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped', while the Strawberry falls into categories such as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'.
Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. The Jupiter Brown may be more suitable for those who prefer a tactile feedback and a classic keystroke feel, while the Strawberry might appeal to individuals seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience. 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
62g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Strawberry feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the Jupiter Brown differs in its bottom housing material, utilizing nylon instead. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Strawberry share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a sharp, high-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing materials. While the Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Strawberry opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which may result in a crisper overall sound due to its stiffness and sound absorption properties.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Strawberry may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The Jupiter Brown offers a softer and deeper sound experience with its nylon bottom housing, while still maintaining a sharp and crisp sound with its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Strawberry provides a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout with both polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch. The Jupiter Brown requires 55 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it medium-heavy in terms of force. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry only needs 43 grams to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium range. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Strawberry switch make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push sensation while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. This distance provides a satisfying tactile feedback for both switches, making them ideal for typists who enjoy a moderate key travel. While both switches offer the same travel distance, the Jupiter Brown provides a tactile bump while the Strawberry switch offers a smooth linear feel. Therefore, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two switches, as the travel distance is the same for both.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 switches provide a medium-pitched and satisfying click with each keystroke, while the KTT Strawberry switches offer a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that is both pleasant and mellow. The sound produced by each switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable for most users. These switches also have a stepped tactile feel, providing a gentle two-stage keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches offer a frictionless, silky, and buttery smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like the Jupiter Brown, the Strawberry switches also feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
When considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and KTT Strawberry switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown switches offer a classic tactile feel with a medium-pitched sound, while the KTT Strawberry switches provide a smooth linear feel with a low-pitched and mellow sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but rest assured that regardless of your decision, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preference for key weight, feel, and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force at 70 grams and a classic keystroke feel with precise molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 62 grams, a smooth actuation with a comfortable feel, and low-pitched sound that is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, the KTT Strawberry may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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