Keygeek Briny vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, two notable options to consider are the Keygeek Briny and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, each catering to different preferences. The Briny, featuring an UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is recognized for its balanced sound profile and the smooth, linear feel it offers, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet and unobtrusive experience while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Jupiter Banana stands out as a tactile switch with its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a satisfying tactile bump that gives users valuable feedback with each keystroke. This switch is enhanced by two-stage springs, which ensure a strong return and a consistent feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sensation. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness in the Briny and tactile feedback in the Jupiter Banana—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your 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
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Keygeek Briny and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, a notable distinction arises in the materials used for their top housings. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is largely attributed to nylon's softer properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound output. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, creating a sound that is more clear and pronounced. Therefore, while both switches aim to deliver a satisfying auditory experience, their design philosophies diverge fundamentally based on the choice of materials.
Examining the bottom housing of both switches reveals a more aligned approach, as both the Briny and Jupiter Banana utilize nylon for this component. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches share a common trait of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Since nylon is adept at absorbing sound, both switches are likely to deliver a more rounded auditory experience upon key presses. Consequently, while the top housings impart contrasting sound profiles, the use of nylon in the bottom housing helps unify the overall tonal quality of both switches, allowing them to achieve similar results in terms of bottom-out sound.
The interplay of top and bottom housing materials becomes crucial in understanding the complete sonic landscape of each switch. In the case of the Briny, the nylon top and bottom work harmoniously to create a cohesive sound profile that is richer and sweeter, benefiting from the sound absorption provided by the softer nylon. However, the Jupiter Banana's unique sound signature emerges from the combination of its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom; while the bottom housing provides a full sound base, the polycarbonate top introduces a sharpness that elevates the overall acoustic experience. Hence, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottoms, their differing top materials result in distinct auditory profiles that can cater to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight switch, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana, while those seeking a lighter touch might find the Briny more comfortable for extended usage. Ultimately, the Briny is the lighter option, while the Jupiter Banana offers a heftier feel.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear 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. This means that if you opt for the Briny switch, you'll experience a more substantial keypress, which can provide a deeper, more satisfying feel but may feel slower in terms of responsiveness compared to the shorter Jupiter Banana switch. For gamers or individuals who value quick key actuation, the Briny’s longer travel distance might come across as too abrupt, while the complacent nature of the Jupiter Banana’s shorter travel could offer a preferable alternative. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you appreciate a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes or prefer a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced auditory profile that ensures a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. For users who may be sensitive to sound, the Jupiter Banana's elevated pitch can offer an immersive experience, while those who prefer a more moderate acoustic environment may find the Briny's balanced sound more appealing. Ultimately, the type of board and keycaps chosen can significantly influence the final sound output for either switch.
In terms of feel, the Briny switch's qualities are unfortunately not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile response. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy feel. The polished finish contributes to a refined typing experience that reduces friction, making key travel smooth and effortless. The creamy sensation further enhances this smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This results in a tactile feedback that is both soft and satisfying, ideal for users who enjoy a luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny offers a balanced sound profile that may cater to those who prefer a subdued auditory experience, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch captivates users with its high-pitched and resonant sounds along with its polished and creamy feel. The key differentiator lies in the auditory feedback and tactile experience where the Jupiter Banana provides a distinctive and luxurious touch. Without specific details on the Briny’s feel, potential users might gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana for its smooth operation and pleasing sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, your typing preferences and desired experience are key. If you favor a balanced sound profile and a smooth linear feel, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making it great for solid, uninterrupted typing sessions—ideal for tasks like programming or word processing, where you want to maintain speed without the distraction of tactile feedback or noise. Conversely, if you appreciate the tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana offers a crisp, resonant typing experience. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 69 grams and its creamy, polished feel, it caters well to gamers or typists who prefer a more engaging sensation and sharper auditory feedback. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize smooth, linear operation or a tactile response that makes each keystroke more pronounced. Evaluate your personal comfort and the type of tasks you'll be tackling to choose the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.
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