Gateron Aliaz vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Banana mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider the unique features that each switch offers. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, thanks to its silent design. With a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke, the Aliaz switch is perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. Equipped with two-stage springs, these switches ensure a strong return and consistent feel, making them a great choice for users looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Aliaz also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, emphasizing a more resonant sound profile throughout the typing experience. Conversely, the Jupiter Banana utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housing of both the Aliaz and Jupiter Banana switches share the same material, the distinct difference lies in their bottom housing. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, which can impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, affecting the typing experience with a rounder sound quality. These differences in bottom housing materials ultimately contribute to the overall feel and acoustics of each switch, showcasing how housing materials play a crucial role in switch performance.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Jupiter Banana demonstrate how housing materials can significantly influence the typing experience and sound profile of a switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile, their bottom housing materials - polycarbonate for Aliaz and nylon for Jupiter Banana - offer distinct qualities that impact the overall typing feel and sound. Whether one prefers a more resonant sound with the Aliaz or a fuller sound with the Jupiter Banana, the choice of housing material plays a key role in determining the overall performance and acoustics of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is heavier than the Jupiter Banana. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, which is lighter in comparison. The Aliaz provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Jupiter Banana offers a medium-heavy feel. Both switches will offer similar results in terms of weight, allowing for comfortable typing for extended periods, although the Aliaz will provide a more substantial push feel compared to the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz. The Aliaz provides a slightly deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Aliaz switch offers a muted typing experience, which is ideal for quiet environments like offices where loud keystrokes may be disruptive. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch produces a higher-pitched and resonant sound, providing a more sharp and crisp auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the softer and quieter sound of the Aliaz or the sharper and more immersive sound of the Jupiter Banana.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Aliaz and Jupiter Banana switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced resistance, while the Jupiter Banana also offers a polished feel along with a creamy sensation thanks to lubrication within the switch. Both switches ensure a refined and sleek typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances the overall smoothness of key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Jupiter Banana switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is tailored for quiet environments with a muted sound and a substantial feel, ideal for those who prefer a pronounced typing feedback. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a smooth and creamy typing sensation, offering a different auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, think about your preferred typing experience. If you value a heavier keystroke with a more pronounced tactile feedback and minimal noise, the Aliaz switch with its 75g bottom out force and muted sound profile is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a softer keystroke with softer backlight effects and a slightly lighter 69g bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana switch with its resonant and creamy feel may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
