Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and KTT Phalaenopsis both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch from KTT boasts beautiful translucent switches with a light actuation force of 37g to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump for each keystroke. While these general descriptions offer insight into the characteristics of each switch, diving deeper into their specific attributes can help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Phalaenopsis both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for aesthetically pleasing keyboards. However, the Jupiter Banana uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic material's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile similar to its top housing material. This difference in bottom housing material may result in variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
While the top housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Phalaenopsis are both polycarbonate, the bottom housing materials differ significantly. The Jupiter Banana's use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a different typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis maintains a sharper and more resonant sound profile, contributing to a crisper typing experience overall.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound quality. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it's clear that the Phalaenopsis is the lighter option. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is significantly lighter. The lighter actuation force of the Phalaenopsis may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Jupiter Banana may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their differing weight profiles, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Phalaenopsis has a longer distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm on the Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the 4 mm travel distance on the Phalaenopsis may provide a more robust and satisfying keypress for those who prefer more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Gateron Jupiter Banana 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 Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds that can be quite immersive. In comparison, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone that may resonate with those who prefer a more substantial sound during typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy tactile experience, offering a smooth and refined typing sensation that minimizes friction and provides a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch provides a stepped tactile feel, offering a two-stage keystroke experience that allows for a more nuanced typing feedback compared to the more uniform hypertactile switches. Again, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the tactile feel that best suits your typing style and preferences.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you gravitate towards the high-pitched and polished typing experience of the Jupiter Banana or prefer the bassy and stepped feedback of the Phalaenopsis, both switches are designed to enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, exploring these switches in person and considering factors such as keycap choices and keyboard build will help you determine which switch best suits your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, go for the Jupiter Banana with its 69 grams force. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Phalaenopsis with its 50 grams force might be more suitable for you. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer. If you enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Jupiter Banana would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a bassy and thocky sound, the Phalaenopsis could be more to your liking. Lastly, consider the feel of the switches. If you prefer a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana might be the way to go. But if you enjoy a stepped tactile feel during typing, then the Phalaenopsis could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel during typing.
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