Gateron Jupiter Red vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red, a linear switch, to the KTT Strawberry, another linear switch, it is clear that both offer a smooth typing experience. The Jupiter Red is best known for its medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds, providing a seamless and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is loved for its comfortable feel, smooth actuation, and reliable performance, with an attractive pink and clear housing. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Red being categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', while the Strawberry is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Polished'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Strawberry both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. However, the Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
While both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the contrasting bottom housing materials of the Jupiter Red and Strawberry play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red offers a softer and more absorbent surface, resulting in a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry complements the top housing's crisp sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing materials highlights how different materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Strawberry switches showcases how the choice of housing material can influence the sound and feel of typing. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material allows for a unique typing experience with each switch. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing or a crisper sound with the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both switches have a similar actuation force, with the Jupiter Red requiring 45 grams and the Strawberry needing 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Red is lighter at 60 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the KTT Strawberry for a slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable choices for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the KTT Strawberry linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial in determining the typing experience and overall feel of a keyboard. With both switches having identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. This allows for consistency in typing performance, whether using the Gateron Jupiter Red or the KTT Strawberry linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red 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 Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments and experience levels. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound levels and tones.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with minimized friction and resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as offering a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. Both switches excel in providing users with a comfortable and smooth feel while typing, catering to those who prefer different levels of smoothness and key resistance.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Red and KTT Strawberry linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches prioritize providing a smooth and consistent typing experience for users. Depending on whether you prefer a neutral sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation with the Gateron Jupiter Red or a low-pitched sound profile and a frictionless feel with the KTT Strawberry, both switches will deliver similar results in offering a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a medium actuation force and enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke, the Jupiter Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher actuation force with a smooth and frictionless typing sensation, the KTT Strawberry switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their own unique features, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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