Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Box Royal is well-known for its sharp, binary tactility that provides a nearly aggressive feel to each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana by Gateron features high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, along with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Box Royal is characterized by a relatively higher pitched sound profile, the Jupiter Banana offers a more polished, creamy, and resonant typing experience. While these general descriptions may help guide your decision, it's essential to delve deeper into the specific qualities of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their material composition. The Box Royal's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the choice between the two will depend on the desired typing experience and sound preference of the user.

Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, both the Box Royal and Jupiter Banana utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may still differ slightly between the two switches due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design. However, users can expect a consistent sound profile from the bottom housing material, delivering a satisfying typing experience with each keystroke.

In terms of overall switch performance, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of a switch. While the nylon top housing of the Box Royal may create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a sharper and crisper typing experience. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch are both considered medium-heavy. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams while the Jupiter Banana needs 69 grams. This means that the Box Royal is lighter to press initially but requires slightly more force to fully press down compared to the Jupiter Banana. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience with a tactile feel, but the slight differences in force may cater to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter initial press or a heavier bottoming out force for extended typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we can see that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Banana has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have a travel distance shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, which is preferred by many typists for its deeper key press feel. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Royal may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a high-pitched and relatively sharp sound when pressed, making it stand out for those who prefer a crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch also offers a high-pitched sound profile, but with a more resonant quality that contributes to a cleaner and sharper sound experience. Both switches deliver a distinct sound profile that can enhance your typing experience, with the choice between them ultimately depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a more polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a buttery sensation when typing. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feel, but the Box Royal leans towards a more intense and distinctly sharp tactile bump, while the Jupiter Banana focuses on a smoother and more effortless keystroke.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal is ideal for those seeking an aggressive tactile feedback and a high-pitched sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana caters to users looking for a softer tactile experience and a more resonant sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in sound and tactile feel, as well as other factors like keyboard setup and keycaps used. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you should consider the level of tactile feedback you prefer. If you value a sharp, aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, more polished tactile feel with consistent actuation and a resonant sound profile, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing style and preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more