Durock Blue Lotus vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Banana are two options that stand out. The Blue Lotus by Durock offers a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a noticeable tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, this switch not only performs well but also looks visually appealing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a different typing experience with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Blue Lotus is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', and 'Stepped', the Jupiter Banana is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its 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
65g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material combination creates a tactile sensation that is often described as satisfying by users. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana uses a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. While both housing materials are durable and high-quality, they offer slightly different experiences for users. The Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend housing may provide a more tactile feel, while the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate housing may offer a crisper sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Lotus and the Jupiter Banana utilize nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, both switches are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches is a classic choice that is favored by many enthusiasts for its ability to produce a smooth and rounded sound profile.
Overall, while the Blue Lotus and Jupiter Banana utilize different materials for their top housing, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing creates a similar typing experience for users. The top housing material may have a slight impact on the sound when pressing down on a key, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer durable and high-quality housing materials that contribute to a premium typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches, both fall under the medium-heavy category. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight, with the Jupiter Banana being slightly heavier in both aspects. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blue Lotus for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier push feel of the Jupiter Banana for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Banana has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. The difference may not be significant, but it could potentially impact the typing or gaming experience for some users. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Jupiter Banana, while others who enjoy a bit more depth when pressing down on a key may prefer the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to users who appreciate a more responsive keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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 Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a bassy and deeper sound profile, providing a richer auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and crisp sound that is clean and sharp. These differences in sound characteristics can significantly impact the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is accentuated by its snappy and stepped feel, providing a medium tactile feedback that is responsive and lively. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These tactile qualities can greatly influence the typing comfort and performance, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Blue Lotus provides a bassy sound and accented, snappy feel, the Jupiter Banana offers a high-pitched, resonant sound and polished, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying tactile typing experience, ensuring a blend of performance and aesthetics for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly reduced travel distance, strong tactile feel, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Banana could be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing preferences, sound and feel preferences, and any other factors that are important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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