SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Jupiter Banana offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is a linear switch known for its medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, the Ayara is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana by Gateron is a tactile switch renowned for its high-precision molds and soft backlight effects. Equipped with two-stage springs, these switches provide a strong return and consistent feel, falling under the categories of 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so choosing between them will depend on your personal typing 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
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes with a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While the Ayara's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting with its translucency.
Both the Ayara and Jupiter Banana utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This consistency in bottom housing material indicates that the typing experience may have similar qualities in terms of sound and feel for both the Ayara and Jupiter Banana switches.
The difference in housing materials between the Ayara and Jupiter Banana impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the typing experience differently: the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Users may prefer the deeper, fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Ayara or the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Jupiter Banana based on their sound preference and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel during typing.
Weight
When looking at the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Ayara switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while the Jupiter Banana switch has an actuation force of 59 grams, making it slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, which is a medium amount of force, while the Jupiter Banana requires 69 grams, making it medium-heavy. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out, making them suitable options for individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the decision between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear 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 Ayara. The Ayara with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper and more deliberate feel. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more immediate feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, creating a sharp and immersive auditory experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Ayara offering a clacky sound and the Jupiter Banana delivering a cleaner and sharper sound.
In terms of feel, both the Ayara and Jupiter Banana switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Jupiter Banana switch is noted for its creamy feel, offering a buttery typing sensation that feels effortless and silky. Overall, users can expect a premium typing experience with both switches due to their polished finish and smooth keystrokes.
To sum up, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Ayara provides a hearty typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana offers a high-precision feel with a creamy typing sensation. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a medium heftiness or a high-pitched resonant sound with a smoother feel, both switches deliver exceptional performance and quality for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a hearty typing feel with a soft bottom-out and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a strong return with consistent feel provided by the Jupiter Banana switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 69 grams, then this may be the switch for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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