Huano Grape Orange vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Jupiter Banana often boils down to personal preference in typing feel and experience. The Huano Grape Orange is a linear switch renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying bump in its actuation, enriched by high-precision molds that contribute to a polished and creamy typing feel. With its two-stage spring design, the Jupiter Banana guarantees a strong return action and a consistent tactile response, appealing to users who enjoy feedback while typing. While both switches provide unique advantages—effortless keystrokes with the Grape Orange and satisfying tactile sensations with the Jupiter Banana—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material is significant because polycarbonate is well-known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for clarity in their keystrokes. With its stiffness, polycarbonate enhances the resonant qualities of the switch, creating a crisper auditory experience. Such properties are further amplified when the top housing is clear or translucent, as it allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic dimension to the tactile experience. As both switches share this polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a similar sound profile that highlights the bright and vibrant auditory characteristics associated with this material.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches diverge, as both the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Jupiter Banana employ nylon for this part of their construction. Nylon brings a fundamentally different acoustic quality to the switches. Being a softer plastic, it tends to absorb more sound, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a contrast between the brighter top end produced by the polycarbonate and the rounded, warmer sound generated by the nylon bottom housing. Consequently, while the two switches will exhibit a similar high-pitched sound upon actuation, the landing and bottom-out sounds will have a fuller timbre due to the nylon's capacities.

When it comes to the overall experience, these differing materials will create a rich and complex auditory feedback loop. The polycarbonate top provides clarity during key release, while the nylon bottom enriches the sound when keys are pressed down. Therefore, the combined effects of the two materials will yield a well-rounded typing experience, where the blend of high and low frequencies allows for a nuanced and satisfying keystroke. Users can readily identify the unique characteristics of both switches, appreciating how the polycarbonate top accentuates brightness and the nylon bottom bolsters warmth, ultimately delivering a multifaceted experience that speaks to the craftsmanship of both the Huano Grape Orange and the Gateron Jupiter Banana.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a more substantial feel that appeals to users who enjoy a firmer key press. Consequently, the Grape Orange is better suited for users who prioritize comfort over long periods, while the Jupiter Banana caters to those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that's easier on the fingers during extended use, the Huano Grape Orange is the lighter option, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Banana, being the heavier switch, offers a stronger push for a more satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Grape Orange provides a deeper feel when pressed, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may be preferable for gamers who favor faster response times and a more abrupt actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences: if you enjoy a hearty depth, the Grape Orange is the better option, while the Jupiter Banana is ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Huano Grape Orange and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches, the Grape Orange's auditory qualities are not specifically defined, leaving it somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana is characterized by its high-pitched, resonant sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. This distinct sound is particularly attractive to those who prefer a cleaner auditory experience, devoid of the deeper, bass-heavy tones found in other switches. The sound profile of both switches can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard housing and keycap materials, but the Grape Orange’s sound remains undefined, making it difficult to draw precise comparisons.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange's unique tactile qualities are not articulated, which makes it challenging to directly compare it to the Jupiter Banana. However, the Jupiter Banana is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction, allowing effortless key travel. The silky sensation of the Jupiter Banana enhances the overall comfort during typing, making it well-suited for long sessions. Unless the Grape Orange offers a similarly defined feel or unique characteristics, we can only assume that it may not deliver the same level of tactile pleasure as the Jupiter Banana, given the latter's emphasis on its polished and creamy attributes.

In conclusion, while the Huano Grape Orange is recognized for its lightweight actuation catering to extended typing comfort, its sound and feel characteristics remain unclear. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana offers a distinctly high-pitched and resonant sound combined with a refined and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but given the lack of data on the Grape Orange's attributes, the Jupiter Banana stands out as the more defined choice for both auditory and tactile experiences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between Huano Grape Orange linear switches and Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange switches with their low actuation force of 40 grams are an excellent option. Their smooth linear feel allows for rapid key presses, which is beneficial for gaming or for anyone who wants to type fast without fatigue. However, if you find yourself leaning towards a more tactile feedback while typing, the Jupiter Banana switches should be your go-to. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams and a polished, creamy feel, they provide a satisfying tactile bump that makes each keystroke feel distinct and responsive. The high-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Jupiter Bananas also appeals to those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback over the muted sounds typical of linear switches. Ultimately, the Grape Orange is suited for speedsters and those who appreciate a lighter touch, while the Jupiter Banana caters to users who enjoy a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Consider what matters most in your daily use, and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more