Gateron CM vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CM and the Gateron Jupiter Banana stand out as popular options. The CM, a linear switch, boasts a unique full nylon housing that produces a rich, deep sound while offering an incredibly smooth typing experience thanks to its factory lube job. With a dual-staged spring design, the CM provides a bouncy typing sensation and falls under categories such as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, features high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for a more tactile typing experience. Equipped with two-stage springs, this switch ensures a strong return and consistent feel, falling under categories such as 'Polished' and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. This creates a duller and rounder sound characteristic that is consistent between the two switches. However, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the CM featuring a nylon top housing and the Jupiter Banana utilizing a polycarbonate top housing.
The difference in top housing material between the Gateron CM and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches significantly impacts the sound profile of each switch. The CM's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound characteristics makes the switches suitable for different preferences and typing experiences. Additionally, the aesthetic aspect also differs, with the translucent nature of polycarbonate making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting.
In terms of tactile feedback and typing experience, the housings of the Gateron CM and Gateron Jupiter Banana play an essential role. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the split between the top and bottom housings allows for distinct qualities in the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials in the switches provides users with a varied typing experience based on the characteristics of each individual housing material.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the CM being slightly lighter. The CM has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, making them suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a key press, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. For users looking for a lighter typing experience, the CM switch may be more suitable, while those seeking a slightly heavier feel may prefer the Jupiter Banana switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The CM switch is slightly longer in travel distance, which may provide a slightly more deliberate keypress feel, while the Jupiter Banana switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance for a more immediate response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness. If you prefer a more abrupt feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly more deliberate press may lean towards the CM switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, offering a deep and rich sound profile that resonates with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by being high-pitched and resonant, producing a sharp and crisp sound that is clean and sharp. Depending on your preference, if you enjoy a richer and deeper sound, the CM switch may be more suitable for you, while if you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound, the Jupiter Banana switch would be the better choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch are described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, both switches promise a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The buttery and frictionless typing experience of the CM switch complements the strong return and consistent feel provided by the two-stage springs of the Jupiter Banana switch.
Overall, while the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience that is enhanced by their high-precision molds and impeccable factory lubing. Whether you prefer a deep and rich sound profile or a sharp and crisp sound, or if you enjoy a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, both switches promise to deliver a satisfying typing journey with every keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a switch with a bold statement, rich sound signature, and a bouncy typing experience, the Gateron CM linear switch with its full nylon housing and dual-staged spring may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, strong return, and consistent feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the unique sound profile and typing experience of the CM or the tactile precision and consistency of the Jupiter Banana. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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