HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz, a linear switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz stands out for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breezy typing experience. With its visually captivating glittery housing and clacky sound signature, this switch appeals to those who prioritize both aesthetics and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana boasts high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced by two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent tactile feel. While the Blue Topaz is characterized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Jupiter Banana is described as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own appeal, but diving deeper into their features will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Jupiter Banana feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of this material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and visual experience with both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Blue Topaz and the Jupiter Banana utilize nylon, a softer plastic that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound that is preferred by many keyboard enthusiasts. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute significantly to the overall typing experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of each keystroke.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Jupiter Banana may differ in terms of their top and bottom housings, both switches offer a similar typing experience thanks to the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon. Whether it's the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper sound profile of nylon, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. The choice between the two will likely come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that the Blue Topaz is lighter in both categories. The Blue Topaz requires 40 grams to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out, while the Jupiter Banana needs 59 grams to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Topaz make it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's medium-heavy forces provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the weight of a switch is an important factor to consider based on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is 3.4 mm. In this case, the Blue Topaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The Blue Topaz switch provides a bit more depth when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a longer or shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
The Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. While both switches have distinct sound characteristics, the end result will ultimately depend on other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Topaz switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and clacky sound profile, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch boasts high-precision molds, two-stage springs for consistent feel, and a polished, creamy typing experience. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent qualities that enhance the overall typing experience, albeit in different ways. Ultimately, it's important for newcomers to consider their individual preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, clacky sound with a visually appealing glittery housing, the Blue Topaz is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, high-precision molds for a tactile typing experience, and a polished, creamy feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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