Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to enhanced two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Jupiter Banana is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Jupiter Banana both feature unique and premium housing materials that contribute to the overall feel and sound profile of the switches. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend for its top housing, while the Jupiter Banana opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The modified PC & UPE Blend of the Black Lotus provides a luxurious and smooth feel, while the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Banana offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials have their own distinct characteristics, with the Black Lotus emphasizing premium quality and the Jupiter Banana focusing on creating a clear and resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches feature nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The Black Lotus and Jupiter Banana share this quality in their housing materials, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Despite using the same material for their bottom housings, each switch still has its unique characteristics that set them apart.
When comparing the overall feel and sound profile, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron Jupiter Banana become more apparent. The Black Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend and nylon housing provides a premium and luxurious typing experience with a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches may use nylon for the bottom housing, the choice of top housing material greatly influences the sound and feel of each switch, making them distinct in their own right.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams while the Jupiter Banana needs 69 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Black Lotus for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance than the Jupiter Banana. The Black Lotus may provide a bit more depth and cushion when pressed compared to the Jupiter Banana. However, both switches fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus switch is known for providing a crisp and clean typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched sound profile that can provide an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Black Lotus focusing on a sharp sound while the Jupiter Banana offers a more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Black Lotus and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing sensation with minimized resistance. Similarly, the Jupiter Banana is also described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with the use of lubricant for enhanced key travel. Overall, both switches prioritize a sleek and smooth typing experience that enhances the overall feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch both bring unique qualities to the table when it comes to sound and feel. While the Black Lotus focuses on a sharp and clean sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Jupiter Banana offers a higher-pitched sound and creamier typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured, both switches provide a high-quality and satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you should keep in mind a few key points. If you prioritize a smooth and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a slightly higher bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and switch features. Make sure to consider these factors carefully to select the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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