HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Banana. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch that offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches are perfect for those who prefer a light keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. Enhanced with two-stage springs, these switches provide a strong return and consistent feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, while the Jupiter Banana uses polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Cheese. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the HMX Cheese and Gateron Jupiter Banana showcases how different materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the Cheese's nylon top housing offers a softer and absorbent typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clearer and more resonant sound profile. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch is noticeably lighter compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese has a low actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana features a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users who enjoy a heavier typing experience. While the Cheese is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, the Jupiter Banana is better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the Cheese offering a lighter touch and the Jupiter Banana providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The 0.1 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel of the keystrokes. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana to be more abrupt, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Cheese may provide a more satisfying depth in keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that is satisfying to those who enjoy a lighter switch with a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving users a different auditory sensation compared to the Cheese switch. Both switches offer a different sound signature, with the Cheese being more clacky and the Jupiter Banana having a sharper, higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a unique tactile feel that is preferred by many users. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is defined by its polished and creamy feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that is enhanced by the materials used and factory lubrication. While the Cheese switch focuses on smoothness and lightness, the Jupiter Banana switch offers a buttery and silky sensation with every key press.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch each provide a unique typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch stands out for its clacky and crispy sound, as well as its smooth typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound, paired with a polished and creamy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Whether you choose the Cheese or Jupiter Banana switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a light actuation force and a smooth, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a high-precision mold and softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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