HMX Gravel vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and Gateron Jupiter Banana offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Gravel, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel. With a medium-light actuation force that favors a responsive and effortless experience, this switch is ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing motion without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana serves as a tactile switch, distinguished by its softer backlight effects and the use of high-precision molds. Its enhanced two-stage springs provide a strong return and a consistent feel, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches cater to distinct styles of typing—smooth and linear versus tactile and responsive—the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a highly similar auditory experience. This common material choice leads to sharper, higher-pitched sounds during operation, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal as well, making it an ideal choice for RGB lighting integration. This along with the resonance created by the polycarbonate top contributes to a clear and crisp sound profile that typists and gamers alike appreciate. Hence, when using these switches side by side, users can expect strikingly similar sound characteristics, enhancing their typing experience.

Conversely, the bottom housings of both the HMX Gravel and Gateron Jupiter Banana transitions to nylon. This material choice plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound waves more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller output compared to harder plastics. This property distinctly contrasts with the characteristics introduced by their polycarbonate tops, providing a balanced auditory experience. When users press down on these switches, they will experience the thudding, rounded sound that nylon imparts, which creates a warm detriment to the sharper notes produced by the top housing.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both switch models results in a unique yet comparable sound profile. While the tops contribute to the crisp and clear highs and the bottoms offer a rounded, deeper sound, the shared materials facilitate a cohesive experience that captures the best of both worlds. This duality exemplifies how varying materials influence different facets of sound and feel in typing switches, yet the similar construction across both models ensures that users can anticipate a harmonious auditory performance, making either switch a solid choice for enthusiasts seeking both style and substance.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged use such as typing at work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. These differences suggest that users looking for a lighter experience should opt for the Gravel, while those who enjoy a firmer resistance may gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana. Overall, the Gravel offers a softer typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana provides a more robust feedback, appealing to different user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the Gravel measures 3.5 mm, while the Jupiter Banana comes in slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Gravel switch, you'll experience a travel distance that is 0.1 mm more than the Jupiter Banana, making it the longer of the two options. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may be more appealing, as it can provide quicker keypress response times, which is often favored by gamers. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more substantial depth while typing, the Gravel's longer travel distance may better suit your preference, offering a slightly deeper and more tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch is known for its smooth operation, which typically leads to a quieter typing experience; however, specific details about its auditory characteristics are missing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a distinct sound profile, characterized by high-pitched and resonant qualities. Users can expect a sharp and crisp sound when typing, providing an immersive auditory experience that some enthusiasts specifically seek. This pronounced sound profile can elevate the typing experience, especially for those who prefer a cleaner, more articulate auditory feedback during use.

When considering feel, the HMX Gravel switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing sensation, which is further enhanced by a medium-light actuation force that contributes to a responsive typing experience. While the specific textural qualities of the Gravel are not elaborated, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch features a polished and creamy feel. This polished texture, likely enhanced through quality materials and factory lubing, delivers a silky smooth typing experience with reduced friction and a satisfying glide. The Jupiter Banana’s creamy characteristic provides a buttery sensation, ensuring that every keystroke feels effortless and luxurious, making it a delight for tactile switch admirers.

In conclusion, if you seek a quieter and smoother experience, the HMX Gravel linear switch will likely cater to your preferences, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch will appeal to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience coupled with refined tactile feedback. While they offer different sound signatures and tactile experiences, both switches promise quality in terms of feel, albeit in distinct ways. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the linear smoothness of the Gravel or the tactile richness of the Jupiter Banana.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a lightweight switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gravel is an excellent option, especially for long typing sessions where comfort and responsiveness are key. This switch's refined feel makes it a standout for users who appreciate a fluid typing motion without the resistance of heavier switches. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a bit more resistance, the Jupiter Banana will serve you well. Its medium-heavy actuation offers a satisfying tactile bump, making it ideal for both typing and gaming where you want a clear indication of each keystroke. The sound profile of the Jupiter Banana also adds an engaging auditory element, perfect for those who appreciate a sharper, more resonant sound while typing. In short, choose the Gravel for a smooth, light touch, and opt for the Jupiter Banana if you seek tactile feedback and a more substantial feel in your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more