Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Akashi linear switch is renowned for its unique design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a distinct sound profile, offering a bright, crisp bottom-out with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch boasts high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, along with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. Both switches offer a polished and creamy typing experience, but the Akashi leans towards a clacky and snappy feel, while the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Akashi Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$4.50

$3.70 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their differences in material composition. The Akashi's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound compared to the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of POM in the Akashi provides a unique sound profile that differs from the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more muted and rounder due to the material's softer nature.

In terms of aesthetics, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer translucency that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Akashi's POM top housing may not provide the same level of visibility for such lighting effects. The impact of the material composition extends beyond just sound profiles, as the housing materials also influence the tactile feel when pressing down on the switches. The softer nature of nylon in both switches' bottom housing contributes to a smoother and more cushioned key press, enhancing the overall typing experience. However, the bottom-out sound and feel is mainly influenced by the bottom housing material, while the release sound is more affected by the top housing material.

Overall, while the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches differ in their top housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing to create a deeper, fuller sound experience. The choice between POM and polycarbonate in the top housing will ultimately depend on personal preference for either a deeper, more muted sound (Akashi) or a sharper, crisper sound (Jupiter Banana). However, the similarities in their nylon bottom housing ensure a consistent typing experience with a softer and more absorbent material that enhances the overall tactile feedback of the switches.

Weight

Comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that they have significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. The Akashi would be suitable for users who prefer typing for longer periods, while the Jupiter Banana would be more appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and firm typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Akashi being lighter and the Jupiter Banana being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The Akashi provides a bit more depth with its 3.7 mm travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly quicker actuation, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and bright sound profile, providing a crisp bottom-out with a resonant acoustic richness due to its unique stem and housing combination. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound, offering a sharp and immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a smooth, refined, and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance and effort required during key presses. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is also known for its polished and creamy feel, offering a buttery sensation and reduced friction for a sleek and comfortable typing experience. Both switches deliver a tactile feedback that is enhanced by their high-quality materials and meticulous construction to ensure a pleasant typing experience.

In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi switch offers a clacky and bright sound with a variety of feel descriptors, the Jupiter Banana switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a creamy and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a high level of performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and smooth typing feel with a bright, crisp sound, the Akashi would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with strong tactile feedback and a softer sound profile, the Jupiter Banana would suit your typing style better. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you value the most. Consider the unique characteristics of each switch and decide based on your desired tactile and auditory feedback when typing.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Akashi Linear

$4.50

$3.70 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more