Gateron Jupiter Red vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation force. Its high-precision molds contribute to a seamless and consistent typing experience, often described as polished, creamy, and silky. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial feel with softer backlight effects enhancing their setup. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai distinguishes itself with its incredibly light actuation force paired with a deep, rounded sound profile, making it a favorite for those who prefer a gentle and effortless typing experience. While both switches are linear, the Jupiter Red leans towards a more tactile and weighty feel, while the Yunhai promotes a quieter and lighter touch. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and the TTC Yunhai switches present a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Jupiter Red employs a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffness of polycarbonate not only contributes to the clarity of the overall sound profile but also enhances resonance, making it particularly appealing for RGB setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai's top housing is made of nylon, a material known for its softer nature. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate. The differences in these top housing materials create distinctive auditory experiences: while the Jupiter Red may resonate with a brighter tone, the Yunhai provides a more muted, rounded quality.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a unique link between their sound profiles despite the difference in top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing in both the Jupiter Red and the Yunhai contributes to a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing sound waves and reducing harshness. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches inherit a common softness and resonance at the lower end of their audio range, despite the contrasting qualities introduced by their top housings. This shared characteristic brings a certain uniformity to the feel of the switches during typing.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TTC Yunhai create distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate yielding higher-pitched resonance and nylon offering a deeper tone. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings ensures that both switches share a fullness in sound that might feel familiar to the user. Therefore, while the auditory experiences differ on a superficial level due to the varied top housing compositions, the shared nylon bottom creates a cohesive aspect that can lead to similar results in terms of overall depth and richness in the typing experience. This interplay between materials highlights the intricate blend of design considerations in mechanical switch technology.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see distinct differences that cater to various preferences. The Jupiter Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium feel that some users might find satisfying for substantial feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where a lighter touch is preferred. Overall, if users favor a lighter switch, the Yunhai is the superior choice, while those who appreciate a firmer typing experience should gravitate towards the heavier Jupiter Red switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Jupiter Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai's travel distance measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Jupiter Red the longer travel option, providing a more substantial feel with its deeper actuation. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai aligns more closely with current trends favoring rapid response times, which many gamers find beneficial for performance. Those who prefer a more pronounced keypress might favor the Jupiter Red's deeper actuation, while users seeking quicker, more responsive feedback may lean towards the Yunhai. Therefore, depending on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness, the choice between these two switches will ultimately hinge on the desired travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinct auditory experiences. The Jupiter Red is characterized by a neutral sound profile, producing a moderate sound that accommodates a variety of settings, whether for work or home use. This makes the switch suitable for different users, regardless of their typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Yunhai switches is not specified, leaving some uncertainty regarding their acoustic characteristics. However, the relatively light actuation force may suggest a softer sound, which could appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Red switches excel with their polished, creamy, silky, and mild characteristics. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, likely enhanced by factory lubrication. Readers can expect to glide effortlessly across the keys while enjoying reduced friction and a gentle sensation with each keystroke. Conversely, the specific feel of the Yunhai switches is not detailed, leaving it open to interpretation; however, their incredibly light actuation suggests they may also provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, albeit possibly lacking some of the richness described for the Jupiter Reds.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Red and TTC Yunhai linear switches aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences, their subjective qualities diverge in some areas. The Jupiter Red stands out with its neutral sound and luxurious feel, incorporating a range of smooth characteristics that enhance performance. Meanwhile, the Yunhai's sound quality remains unknown but suggests a gentle and light typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a polished and consistent switch, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice, whereas those preferring a lighter touch might find the Yunhai to be more to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a pivotal role. If you enjoy a medium to medium-heavy actuation force and appreciate a smooth, polished, and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the better option for you. Its neutral sound profile and high-precision design can provide a satisfying keystroke both at home and in a work environment, making it an ideal choice for a versatile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally light actuation force that ensures effortless key presses, along with a unique sound profile, the TTC Yunhai might be your switch of choice. Its lightness will cater well to prolonged typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while offering a distinctively comfortable feel. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, force, or feel—are most critical to your typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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