TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Jupiter Banana mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bluish White is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is recognized for its high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent feel. While the Bluish White is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', the Jupiter Banana is labeled as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Jupiter Banana use polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material; the Bluish White uses nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a similar typing experience.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Bluish White and Jupiter Banana differ in their bottom housing material. While both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, the material's softer nature in the Bluish White results in a rounder and duller sound profile. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana provides a similar typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, absorbing more sound and contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of typing experience, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel of a switch. With the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences in material between the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Jupiter Banana become apparent. While both switches offer similar qualities with their polycarbonate top housing, the choice between a softer nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile in the Bluish White or a rounder sound in the Jupiter Banana comes down to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that the Bluish White is lighter in both aspects. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. The Bluish White provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a heavier push feel, which can result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger force feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Bluish White switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched and snappy sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Bluish Whites offering a deeper tone and the Jupiter Bananas delivering a cleaner and sharper sound.
In terms of feel, both switches share the descriptor of "Polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, gentle, and uniform typing sensation that falls in a safe and middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth, buttery, and silky typing experience with lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used. Both switches aim to enhance the typing feel by offering a polished and effortless keystroke.
Overall, the decision between the TTC Bluish White and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched sound with a more buttery and mild feel, the Bluish Whites may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound with a creamy and polished feel, the Gateron Jupiter Bananas could be more to your liking. It's important to consider your individual typing preferences and aesthetics when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a satisfying typing experience.