Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference in feel and sound, and two popular offerings from Gateron exemplify this spectrum: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly linear switch that delivers a lively typing experience characterized by its high-pitched clacky sound profile and bouncy type feel, making it ideal for those who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes perfect for gaming or extensive typing. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that combines precision engineering with subtle, engaging feedback, thanks to its two-stage spring design. This switch is particularly valued by users who appreciate a noticeable bump during key presses, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction while also boasting soft backlight effects for a visually appealing setup. Both switches cater to different typing styles, with the Yellow emphasizing speed and smoothness, while the Banana offers tactile feedback and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana feature similar housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in determining their acoustic profiles. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when keys are pressed or released. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature that contributes to a clearer resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing aesthetic, particularly when backlighting is utilized, further enhancing the visual experience during use.
In contrast, while the top housing materials are identical, the bottom housings are made of nylon, which introduces a notable difference in typing sound and feel. Nylon's softer composition compared to polycarbonate leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more rounded acoustic experience. When typing on either switch, the sound absorbed by the nylon bottom housing mellows the overall auditory feedback, setting a distinct contrast against the crispness of the polycarbonate top. This separation of materials means that while the typing experience is coherent and pronounced in both switches, the sound characteristics complement each other, allowing for a unified switch experience.
Overall, although the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jupiter Banana share the same housing materials, the interplay between the polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms provides users with a consistent yet distinct typing experience. Both switches will generate a clear upper sound profile from the polycarbonate housing upon releasing a key, while the nylon base ensures a more subdued and rounded bottoming sound, creating a well-rounded auditory experience. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of the clarity of sound and visual aesthetics, while still enjoying the nuanced differences brought about by the choice of bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we find notable differences in their specifications. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana features a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as the heavier switch. This means that typists or gamers who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana for its heavier engagement. Despite both switches being classified as medium-heavy overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a slight advantage in terms of ease of actuation, making it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jupiter Banana provides a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow allows for a more substantial depth with each keystroke, which can enhance typing comfort for those who prefer a more traditional feel. Conversely, the Jupiter Banana, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times, as the reduced distance allows for quicker actuation and less travel between key presses. Therefore, if you favor a deeper, more pronounced feel when typing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is your best bet, while the Jupiter Banana is better suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, both present a high-pitched and resonant auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a sharp and clacky sound that can be quite satisfying for those who prefer a more animated typing experience. Similarly, the Jupiter Banana also offers a higher-pitched sound that is clean and crisp. Both switches create an immersive auditory environment, making them appealing for users who favor a lively and engaging sound while typing. It's worth noting that the overall sound can be influenced by additional factors, like the keyboard housing and keycap material you choose.
In terms of tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jupiter Banana switches share remarkably similar qualities. Both switches are polished, which results in a refined finish that contributes to a smooth and sleek typing experience. Users will appreciate the reduced friction and easy travel across the key presses. Additionally, each switch provides a creamy sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. This buttery smoothness can be particularly pleasurable, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly from key to key during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches excel in delivering charmingly high-pitched sounds accompanied by a polisher, creamy feel. Whether you're drawn to the bouncy characteristics of the Yellow switch or the tactility of the Banana switch, you'll find that both offer a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, each switch has its strengths, but their similarities in sound and feel suggest that either choice can lead to an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a smooth and seamless typing experience, along with a higher-pitched clacky sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent budget-friendly option that allows for fast and fluid keystrokes, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Its creamy and polished feel provides an enjoyable tactile experience, particularly for those who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, if you favor a more tactile feedback with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Jupiter Banana would be the better choice. This switch combines a tactile bump with a polished and creamy feel that ensures a consistent typing experience while also accommodating softer backlight effects. This makes the Jupiter Banana particularly suitable for typing tasks where you may benefit from tactile feedback, helping you to gauge key engagement. Ultimately, your decision should revolve around whether you prioritize a linear feel and sound with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or a tactile experience with the Jupiter Banana.
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