HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana present two compelling options, each tailored to different typing experiences. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience, allowing for fast and fluid key presses without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that stands out due to its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. It features two-stage springs for a robust return and a satisfying tactile feedback, offering users an engaging and responsive typing experience that enhances both gaming and typing tasks. While the Deep Navy may appeal to enthusiasts seeking a smooth and stealthy performance, the Jupiter Banana caters to those who enjoy a noticeable actuation point combined with a lively sound profile. 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
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana employ distinctly different materials in their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This material absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Jupiter Banana’s top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory signature when typing. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana’s polycarbonate top enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its rigid composition, which enhances resonance. Therefore, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the fundamental materials employed create contrasting sound dynamics, tailoring each to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which presents a point of similarity that warrants attention. The use of nylon for this aspect ensures that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. The bottom housing, which significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, is consistent between the two. Because of this shared nylon construction, both switches will feel similar in terms of bottoming out, leading to a comparable tactile experience despite the differing characteristics of the top housings. Therefore, typists can enjoy the smooth key press and solid feedback while still appreciating the unique sound signatures imparted by the differing top materials.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials paired with identical bottom housings in the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Jupiter Banana elucidates how variations in construction can create nuanced shifts in auditory and tactile experiences. The nylon bottom housing ensures a shared acoustic quality, while the top housings—one being softer and more acoustically absorbent, the other stiffer and more resonant—serve to cater to different preferences for sound. Consequently, users can anticipate a depth of tactile similarity while being enchanted by the contrast in auditory character that each switch provides. Whether seeking a rich, rounded sound or a bright, clear tone, both switches offer unique experiences that reflect their respective material choices.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a fluffier feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana has a significantly firmer actuation force of 59 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 69 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Jupiter Banana is heavier, meaning they cater to different user preferences in terms of keystroke feel and exertion during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the differences are clear. The HMX Deep Navy boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may be more appealing, offering quicker key presses ideal for gaming. On the other hand, the Deep Navy's greater depth may provide a more satisfying and deliberate feel for those who value a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, users can choose based on their preference for responsiveness versus a hearty depth in keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp auditory experience, which is shaped by its full nylon construction. This contributes to a deep, resonant tone that enhances each keystroke with a satisfying acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch features a high-pitched and resonant sound. When pressed, it produces a clean and crisp tone, offering a different auditory character that some users may find more appealing if they favor sharper sounds over deeper tones. Ultimately, the sound experience will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which can modify these inherent qualities.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch delivers an impressively smooth typing experience that stems from its carefully crafted design, but specific descriptors of its tactile qualities aren't provided here. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana is noted for its polished and creamy sensations. The polished nature enhances smooth, refined key travel, while the creamy texture provides a buttery, almost luxurious typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly over the keys. This combination of characteristics results in reduced friction and a more enjoyable tactile experience for the user.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches bring unique auditory and tactile experiences to the table. The Deep Navy offers a rich and smooth sound alongside a refined actuation feel, while the Jupiter Banana presents a brighter auditory profile coupled with a polished and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preferences concerning sound pitch and feel, with both promising a high level of quality that caters to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play a crucial role. If you favor a lighter keystroke for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions, the Deep Navy's 45-gram bottom-out force and silky smooth actuation make it an excellent choice. Its rich, sharp sound profile is also appealing if you enjoy a more bassy auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, if you prefer tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound with a bit more resistance, the Jupiter Banana, with its medium-heavy 69-gram bottom-out force, provides a satisfying tactile bump that enhances your typing experience. The polished and creamy feel of these switches, along with their sharper, resonant sound, is great for users who appreciate a more tactile sensation under their fingers. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness for speed (Deep Navy) or tactile feedback and a heavier feel for a more deliberate typing experience (Jupiter Banana).
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