Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is well-regarded for its smooth keystroke and comfortable travel distance, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out for its unique two-stage springs that provide a strong return and a satisfying, tactile feedback without being overly harsh. The Jupiter Banana's softer backlight effects and polished design enhance its overall aesthetic and user experience. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who value a smooth, uninterrupted flow during fast typing or gaming sessions, the Jupiter Banana is a great choice for typists who appreciate the tactile feedback and distinctive sound. 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
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its unique sound characteristics. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This contrasts sharply with the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a crisper auditory feedback and is often favored for RGB lighting integration due to its translucency. Therefore, while both switches may offer satisfying tactile experiences, the sound produced will differ significantly based on the material of the top housing.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jupiter Banana utilize nylon material. This similarity means that when it comes to the bottoming-out experience, both switches will exhibit a deeper and rounder sound profile thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, users can expect the same auditory feedback when the keys are fully pressed down, highlighting the common characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing. This consensus on the bottom housing material establishes a shared foundation for tactile response and auditory feedback, making the bottom-out experience feel more uniform between the two switches.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings play a crucial role in differentiating the two switches while the similar bottom housings create a common ground for the typing experience. The nylon bottom ensures both models deliver a cohesive feel at the low end, but it's the choice of nylon in the Glory Yellow's top and polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana's top that will lead to distinctly different sound profiles. As such, users will experience a fuller sound when pressing down on the Glory Yellow, while enjoying a brighter and sharper sound from the Jupiter Banana when releasing each key, offering an integrated yet varied experience depending on the user’s preference for sound and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, which indicates a lighter touch is needed to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable, making it difficult to compare how firmly it feels when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This means that the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial resistance, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Consequently, while the Glory Yellow is the lighter option, the Jupiter Banana is heavier overall, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the most traditional key switch travel distance, providing a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to those who favor a snappier response, often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. Consequently, if you're looking for a more tactile experience and deeper engagement with each press, the Glory Yellow would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming, the Jupiter Banana might suit your needs better. Overall, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel, caters to those who prefer a more abrupt action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch has not been explicitly described, making its auditory experience somewhat unknown compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana. The Jupiter Banana, on the other hand, is noted for its high-pitched and resonant qualities. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound profile, providing a clean auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a less bass-heavy sound. It’s worth noting that the overall sound also hinges on factors like the keyboard type and keycap selection, so users may still find variances between different setups.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch doesn't have a specific description, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. However, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is characterized by its polished and creamy sensations. The polished feel suggests a refined typing experience with reduced friction, while the creamy aspect indicates a buttery smoothness that allows for effortless key travel. This combination can create a typing experience where every keystroke glides smoothly under your fingers, providing a sensation that many typists find enjoyable.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch may offer a pleasing travel distance and smooth keystroke, though its specific sound and feel characteristics are less defined. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana presents a clear advantage with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing experience. For newcomers, if you prefer a more tactile experience, opting for the Jupiter Banana would be beneficial, while the Glory Yellow may appeal to those looking for a heavier, smooth keystroke without specific auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke for gaming or typing and prefer a lighter feel that allows for rapid key presses, the Glory Yellow is ideal for you. Its effortless actuation can enhance your speed and comfort, especially during intense gaming sessions or extended typing, where a seamless experience is crucial. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feedback from tactile switches and appreciate a more substantial bottom-out force, the Jupiter Banana might be your go-to. Its polished and creamy texture ensures a luxurious typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance your precision, making it suitable for tasks that require careful input, like programming or typing long documents. Moreover, the higher-pitched sound and resonant profile of the Jupiter Banana can provide an engaging auditory feedback, which some users find enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you preference smoother linear action or tactile sensation, so consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience.
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