Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of tactile versus linear options, and the Gateron Jupiter Brown and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream embody these differences beautifully. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy keystroke feel with a satisfying bump, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy a traditional experience while also benefiting from innovative design elements, such as high-precision molds and softer backlighting effects. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its remarkably smooth, buttery feel, thanks to the use of POK materials in both its stem and bottom housing, which provide a unique typing experience reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Additionally, its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds a layer of acoustic satisfaction that appeals to those who prefer a more dynamic auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, one may choose the Jupiter Brown for its tactile feedback and reliable performance, or the Vanilla Ice Cream for a velvety, seamless 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

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, the differences in their housing materials play a significant role in defining their respective sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for greater resonance and clarity. Its translucency also adds an aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated, enhancing the visual experience of the switch. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, emphasizing a “special mixed material” that aims for a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound profile. While the specifics of the KTT blend are less defined than the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Brown, both switches share an inclination towards higher-frequency sounds, offering users a lively auditory response when typing.

The bottom housing materials present another contrast that defines the overall user experience of each switch. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic properties, contributing to a rounded sound due to sound absorption. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream sports a POK bottom housing made from polyketone, recognized for its exceptional durability and smoothness. With a lower coefficient of friction compared to other materials, the POK housing is designed for a more fluid keypress experience, contributing to a smoother feel and a clacky sound. This juxtaposition highlights how the different bottom housing materials can drastically alter not just the sound but also the tactile feedback that a user experiences while typing.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches results in distinct sound signatures and typing experiences. While the Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom enhances a deeper sound with a rounded character, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes the POK material to provide a higher level of smoothness and longevity, alongside its clacky profile. Even if the top housings of both switches share a high-pitched sound quality, the differing bottom materials ensure that users will experience tonal variations and diverse tactile feedback. Therefore, while there are similarities in the sound profiles produced by the top housings, the overall performance is defined by the interplay of the materials utilized in both the top and bottom sections of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, noticeable differences emerge. The Jupiter Brown switch requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, with a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, requiring only 43 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out. This significant difference means that typists or gamers who favor lighter switches for extended use would benefit more from the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience might find the Jupiter Brown more to their liking. Overall, the Jupiter Brown is the heavier switch, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more traditional feel, appreciated by those who like a deeper keystroke for a more tactile experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch caters to users who prefer the quicker response of a shallower keystroke. If you enjoy the sensation of pressing down longer before bottoming out, the Jupiter Brown is the better choice. Conversely, if you favor speed and responsiveness, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be more suitable. Overall, the Jupiter Brown is the longer travel distance option, making it ideal for users seeking depth, while the Vanilla Ice Cream, as the shorter option, is favored for faster input.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a more moderate auditory profile, striking a balance that many find pleasant in daily typing scenarios. They tend to emit a gentle sound that is neither overwhelming nor overly sharp, making them a suitable choice for a quiet work environment. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches produce a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that is distinctly sharper and more resonant. This high-pitched quality contributes to an engaging auditory experience, especially for those who prefer a more percussive feedback when typing. The difference in sound can significantly affect how each switch feels to use, with the Jupiter Browns providing a more subdued sound environment while the Vanilla Ice Cream brings a lively character to the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Brown switches are known for their mild, polished, and stepped characteristics. This allows for a comfortable typing experience that is approachable, providing tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. The slightly heavier spring gives users a satisfying keystroke sensation without excessive force, which helps to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches excel in providing a buttery and creamy feel. Their smoothness—enhanced by the use of POK material—makes each keystroke effortless and fluid, giving a silky sensation that allows for fast and easy typing. The contrast in tactile feedback is quite pronounced, with the Jupiter Browns offering a more classic touch and the Vanilla Ice Cream delivering a plush and contemporary feel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches cater to different typing preferences, with the former providing a moderate sound and a comfortable, yet traditional tactile experience, while the latter excels in high-pitched auditory sharpness and a remarkably smooth keystroke feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual taste; if quiet, responsive feedback is desired, the Jupiter Browns are a solid option. Conversely, if a lively sound and creamy smoothness are more appealing, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches would be the better bet. Regardless of choice, each switch provides a distinct typing experience that can enhance productivity and comfort at the keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a traditional, tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent option. It offers a polished, mild keystroke that balances familiarity with innovation, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Its stepped design provides a nuanced feedback experience, which can be comforting if you enjoy knowing precisely when your keystrokes are registered. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, lighter typing experience that emphasizes speed and fluidity, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is your go-to choice. With its creamy, buttery feel and high-pitched, resonant sound profile, you can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, particularly suited for fast-paced tasks or extended gaming sessions. By considering your personal preferences for sound, actuation force, and feedback, you can make an informed decision that best suits your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more