Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Jupiter Banana stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Box Jade is known for providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crisp click and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch distinguished by its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a precise and consistent typing feel with the use of two-stage springs. While the Box Jade emphasizes a more invigorating and accented typing experience, the Jupiter Banana provides a polished and creamy 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal to both switches.
When examining the bottom housing material, both the Box Jade and the Jupiter Banana utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softness of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique tactile feel to typing on these switches. Despite having different top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound and typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Banana differ in terms of their top and bottom housings, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a balance of qualities that impact the sound and feel of each keystroke. The top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. By combining polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana's 59 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke on the Jade. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Jade requires 60 grams of force while the Jupiter Banana needs 69 grams, making the Banana slightly heavier. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box Jade, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Jupiter Banana. Nevertheless, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force from both switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Box Jade offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Jupiter Banana. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the better option, while the Box Jade might be a more suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance and can offer a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch also provides a high-pitched sound profile along with a resonant quality that offers a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches will deliver a satisfying sound feedback, but the Box Jade may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced clicky sound, while the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those looking for a slightly different tone.
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch is characterized by its accented tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, offering a medium level of tactility that is described as invigorating. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch provides a polished and creamy typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Box Jade may be more suited for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump, while the Jupiter Banana may be preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience with a softer feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile along with an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy typing experience, enhanced with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the ideal choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will provide a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, if you value high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a strong return with consistent feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches are perfect for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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