Akko Botany vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Banana offer two distinct experiences suited for different preferences and typing styles. The Akko Botany, a linear switch, is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable and motivating. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, making it perfect for gamers and typists who favor speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, categorized as a tactile switch, stands out with its thoughtfully engineered design that features high-precision molds and enhanced two-stage springs. This results in a unique tactile bump, offering a distinct feel on each keystroke, which can be particularly satisfying for users who prefer to have solid feedback while typing. Moreover, the softer backlight effects of the Jupiter Banana add an appealing aesthetic quality. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different user preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Botany and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing auditory experiences. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound. This is primarily due to nylon's softer properties, which allow it to absorb more sound, thereby resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic profile. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana uses polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and clear auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose effectively, the materials used for their top housings create a marked distinction in sound quality and aesthetic suitability.

Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, which means that despite the differences in the top housing materials, the auditory characteristics associated with the bottom housing remain consistent between the two. As noted, nylon's properties facilitate a deeper and rounder sound profile, enhancing the typing experience by absorbing vibrations that occur during key presses. This commonality in the bottom housing materials illustrates how sound absorption can influence the overall acoustic output of the switches when they are engaged. Therefore, individuals who prefer a fuller typing experience may find that both switches, thanks to their nylon bottom housings, can deliver similar auditory qualities when the keys are bottomed out.

In terms of overall performance, the differences brought by the top housings create a nuanced experience when typing or gaming. The Botany's nylon top emphasizes the absorption of sound, creating a muted yet rich acoustic feel, while the Jupiter Banana’s polycarbonate top amplifies the clarity and brightness of each keystroke. This dichotomy indicates that while the bottom housing may impart similarities in sound when pressed, the unique contributions of the top housings result in different experiences upon release of the key. Consequently, users seeking distinct sound profiles might be drawn to the specific characteristics offered by the top housing materials, resulting in a more personalized typing experience that aligns with their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko Botany features a comparatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. As a result, users seeking a lighter switch should gravitate towards the Botany, while those desiring a robust tactile feedback would be better suited for the Jupiter Banana. Overall, the key distinction lies in their weights, with the Botany being lighter and the Jupiter Banana being medium-heavy.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the two exhibit a difference in feel and responsiveness. The Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is slightly shorter. This means that for gamers or users seeking quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may provide an advantage. However, the additional 0.2 mm of travel in the Botany could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel, offering a sense of depth that some users find more comfortable. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the choice ultimately depends on whether one values a snappier actuation or a more pronounced typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Botany linear switch is known for producing a crisp and lively sound that is reminiscent of the satisfying clack associated with many mechanical switches. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant auditory experience, characterized by a sharp and clean profile. This makes the Botany sound lively and engaging, while the Jupiter Banana leans towards a more refined acoustic signature. Both switches emphasize the high-frequency ranges, providing an enjoyable auditory feedback; however, the Botany stands out for its overt clacky character, whereas the Jupiter Banana delivers a more nuanced and sharp sound.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switch provides a smooth action often associated with linear switches, but lacks specific descriptive qualities to fully illustrate its tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana enhances the tactile experience with its polished and creamy characteristics. These descriptors indicate that the Jupiter Banana delivers not only a smooth and refined typing experience but also an effortlessly gliding sensation with each keystroke. This results in reduced friction and a slick overall typing experience, making the Jupiter Banana feel more luxurious compared to the Botany, which may provide a more straightforward linear feel.

In summary, while both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch cater to different preferences, they share some tonal qualities due to their high-pitched sound profiles. The Botany provides a lively auditory experience, while the Jupiter Banana leans towards a sharper, more resonant sound. In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana stands out with its polished and creamy textures, while the Botany may offer a more standard linear experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the clackiness of a linear switch or the refined tactile feedback of a smooth switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you’re looking for a light switch that provides a lively, crisp sound and a smooth typing experience, the Botany is an excellent option. This can be particularly enjoyable if you prefer a quicker actuation and a more responsive feel while gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile sensation with a bit more heft, the Jupiter Banana should be your go-to. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force caters well to typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for longer writing sessions where the tactile bump helps you confirm actuation. Additionally, the polished, creamy feel of the Jupiter Banana enhances the overall typing experience, making it perfect for those seeking both auditory and tactile enjoyment in their keyboard use. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the lightness and sound profile of the Botany or the tactile feedback and refined experience of the Jupiter Banana—to find the switch that best suits your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more