Huano Elf vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, the Huano Elf and Gateron Jupiter Banana offer two distinct experiences that cater to different typing styles. The Elf, known for its POK top housing, provides an enhanced acoustic profile, delivering a satisfying, deep sound signature coupled with a medium-light feel that makes typing enjoyable and smooth, perfect for those who lean towards linear switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, sets itself apart with its high-precision molding and softer backlight effects, making for a polished and resonant feel that gives users tactile feedback with each keystroke—ideal for typists who appreciate the sensation of a distinct actuation. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making them appealing to different users based on preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Elf and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound and feel. The Elf features a POK (polyketone) top housing, renowned for its exceptional durability and smooth operation, yielding a sound profile that is both clacky and robust. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK slightly edges out LY's friction properties, promoting a seamless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana opts for a polycarbonate top housing that fosters a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance, particularly when RGB lighting is employed to accentuate its translucency. Therefore, while both switches prioritize smooth operation, the Huano Elf leans toward a rich and clacky sound, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Banana provides a higher-pitched clarity.

Interestingly, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Jupiter Banana utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which normalizes certain auditory characteristics across the two designs. Nylon's reputation as a classic switch housing material holds true for both switches, as it suppresses sound and elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This similarity means that, despite differences in their top housings, both switches will deliver a lumbering and rounded sound when bottoming out, given that the bottom housing has a substantial impact on how the switch sounds upon keypress. Thus, any user familiar with the sound produced by a nylon bottom will find a comparable audio experience regardless of the top housing's material.

The unique juxtaposition of top housing materials against the uniformity of the nylon bottom underscores the nuanced way in which housing compositions can affect switch performance. While the top housing defines the tonal characteristics when releasing a key, the nylon bottom governs the overall feel during the bottoming stage. As such, the Huano Elf's POK top will afford a smooth and clacky release, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top will deliver a resonant and sharper response upon key release. Collectively, this creates an engaging interplay of sound dynamics, ensuring that even with differing top materials, the seamless quality of both switches can still yield similar user experiences due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Elf features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, suitable for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some typists may favor for a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, while the Elf's bottom out force is unknown, the Jupiter Banana has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams, further emphasizing its sturdier feedback. Ultimately, if someone seeks a lighter switch for comfort, the Huano Elf is the optimal choice, whereas those desiring a more tactile and resistant experience would benefit from the Gateron Jupiter Banana.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the Elf switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Banana measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Huano Elf provides a longer travel experience by 0.2 mm, which could appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keypress and deeper tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, with its shorter travel distance, may be more suitable for gamers or those who prioritize quicker response times. Thus, if you favor a balance between speed and depth, the Elf switch would be ideal, whereas the Jupiter Banana might be preferable for those seeking a more immediate keystroke action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is recognized for its deep sound signature, which contributes to a rich and immersive auditory experience. This contrasts sharply with the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, which is characterized by its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. The Jupiter Banana produces a sharper and crisper auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a cleaner and more high-frequency sound. Overall, while both switches provide engaging soundscapes, the Elf leans towards a bassier tone, while the Jupiter Banana offers a more refined and elevated pitch.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Elf switch delivers a medium-light touch that suggests a satisfying but not overly strenuous typing experience. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy characteristics, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and refined typing action. The use of two-stage springs in the Jupiter Banana ensures a consistent response, further enhancing its tactile feedback. Users of the Elf can expect a straightforward linear feel, whereas the Jupiter Banana's tactile nature adds a noticeable bump, enriching the interaction without sacrificing smoothness.

Overall, both the Huano Elf and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Elf offers a deeper auditory experience and a moderate feel, making it excellent for users who favor linear switches. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana provides a brighter sound alongside a luxurious tactile experience that may appeal more to those who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, whether they favor the deeper resonance or the high-pitched clarity, as well as the desired typing experience—smooth and linear versus tactile and creamy.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a smooth and effortless typing feel paired with a distinct sound profile that leans towards a deeper acoustic signature, the Elf might be the right choice for you. Its medium-light feel makes it suitable for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and the satisfaction of a more pronounced response with each keystroke, the Jupiter Banana should be your go-to option. With its medium-heavy actuation and high-pitched, resonant sound, it is great for gamers and typists who crave that tactile bump and a polished, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prefer the smoothness and acoustic quality of the Elf or the tactile feedback and engaging sound profile of the Jupiter Banana. Consider your typing habits and preferences, and you’ll find the perfect switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more