Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Jupiter Banana offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel. With a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, this switch provides a polished and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana from Gateron is a tactile switch that stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. Equipped with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel, this switch offers a creamy and resonant typing experience. While the Blue Sky excels in providing a linear typing experience, the Jupiter Banana offers a tactile alternative for those looking for a different feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Jupiter Banana utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while they both offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference or specific design requirements.
In contrast, the Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound. Despite the different top housings, the similar bottom housings on these switches ensure a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Jupiter Banana may offer slightly different sound profiles due to their material composition, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances clarity and resonance, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Whether choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference for sound profile or specific design requirements, both options offer high-quality materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky is lighter in both aspects. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Sky for extended typing sessions or gaming, while individuals looking for a more substantial push feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Regardless of their differences in weight, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the lighter force of the Blue Sky providing similar results to the heavier force of the Jupiter Banana in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky 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 Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The 0.6 mm difference may not be significant to some, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Blue Sky, while those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker responses may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch are considered high-pitched, offering sharp and crisp sound profiles. The Blue Sky switch leans towards a neutral sound, suitable for most intents and purposes, while the Jupiter Banana switch provides a more resonant and immersive auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience, with smooth and refined finishes that result in sleek key travel. The Blue Sky switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch is labeled as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness is attributed to factory lubing and specific materials used in the switch construction.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provide quality sound and feel experiences, with slight variations. While the Blue Sky switch offers a more neutral sound and a mild typing feel, the Jupiter Banana switch provides a resonant sound profile and a creamy, buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches deliver high-quality performance for typing and gaming purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you should take into account a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a sparkling, smooth linear typing experience, the Blue Sky switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with strong return and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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