Gateron Jupiter Red vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Matcha offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Jupiter Red, a linear switch, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, making it a popular choice for those who value consistency and precision in their typing. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, offers a comfortable and snappy tactility, resulting in a satisfying typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. While the Jupiter Red is polished, creamy, and silky, the Matcha is stepped, snappy, and clacky. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Matcha both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the Matcha also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which could potentially result in a more consistent sound profile throughout the switch compared to the Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This can lead to a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper profile of the polycarbonate. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha may contribute to a more consistent sound profile with the top housing, as both parts of the switch will have similar properties. This can create a more unified sound experience when typing on the Matcha switch.
Overall, while the Jupiter Red and Matcha both offer polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housing materials differ significantly. The Jupiter Red's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique sound profile that balances sharpness with depth, while the Matcha's dual polycarbonate housing may provide a more consistent and unified sound experience throughout the switch. Whether you prefer a more varied sound profile or a more consistent one, both switches offer unique benefits based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Matcha's 40 grams, making the Matcha the lighter option. Additionally, the Jupiter Red requires a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Matcha only needs 45 grams to bottom out, again making the Matcha the lighter choice. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Matcha switch for longer typing or gaming sessions due to the lower actuation and bottom out forces. Conversely, the Jupiter Red may be favored by users seeking a more substantial typing feel with its slightly heavier forces. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience the same amount of travel between the top and bottom of the switch. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth typing experience due to their equal travel distance. While the distance is the same, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is a linear switch, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the KTT Matcha switch is a tactile switch, offering a slight bump or tactile response when pressed. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a standard typing experience with the same amount of travel, but the typing feel and feedback differ between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Red offers a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding a unique auditory element to your typing sessions. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switch is often described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the KTT Matcha switch is characterized by its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel, providing users with a tactile sensation that is responsive, medium-tactile, and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Red provides a neutral sound profile and a polished, creamy typing experience, the Matcha switch delivers a clacky sound and a stepped, snappy tactile feel. Whether you prefer a seamless, consistent typing experience or a comfortable, tactile typing sensation, both switches cater to different preferences and can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, then the Jupiter Red may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a light actuation force and enjoy a comfortable, snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, then the Matcha could be the perfect fit for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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