Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different typing experiences. The Jupiter Brown provides a more traditional feel with its tactile feedback and medium-heavy weight, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a classic keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a lighter, pillowy typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a smoother, more consistent 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
44g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Wine Red switches reveals some similarities and differences in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Jupiter Brown pairs its polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, aligning with the top housing in terms of creating a sharp and clear sound profile.
Despite both switches incorporating polycarbonate in their top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, contrasted with the sharper and crisper sound profile generated by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights the impact that each material has on the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the KTT Wine Red switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of bottom housing material distinguishes their typing experiences. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the switch's sharp and clear sound characteristics. Understanding the role of housing materials in keyboard switches can help enthusiasts select switches tailored to their preferred sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 44 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Wine Red switch overall lighter in terms of force required for typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Wine Red switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches have their own advantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and key feel when using either switch. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with the same amount of key travel. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a specific key travel distance and want to ensure a consistent typing experience across different keyboards.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 provides a classic and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, resulting in a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a pillowy light typing feel with a lower frequency range. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so both switches can deliver pleasing auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, catering to a wide range of users with their gentle tactile feedback and smooth key travel. With a stepped design, these switches provide a balanced feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switches is not provided. However, based on the description of a pillow-like light type feel, it can be inferred that these switches likely offer a smooth and light keypress without tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches stand out for their classic keystroke feel, medium-heavy weight, and stepped design, providing a polished typing experience with a satisfyingly deep sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with a pillowy light type feel, although specific details on their feel are not provided. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, delivering enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a classic keystroke feel, enhanced backlight effects, and a more traditional typing experience, the Jupiter Brown may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pillowy light typing feel, a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, and a lower bottom out force, the Wine Red linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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