TTC Honey vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the TTC Honey and a tactile switch like the Gateron Jupiter Banana can greatly impact your typing experience. The TTC Honey is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a subdued and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Honey offers a subtle and frictionless typing experience, the Jupiter Banana provides a polished and high-pitched feel. 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
42g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that feature RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
In terms of sound profile, the Honey and the Jupiter Banana will offer different experiences due to their housing materials. The Honey's polycarbonate top and bottom housing will provide a more clear and resonant sound, with a sharper and higher-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a duller and rounder tone. This contrast in sound quality showcases how different housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the top housing material may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Honey and the Jupiter Banana, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a unique typing experience with varying sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller tone, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana switch's heavier 59 grams. Similarly, the Honey switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams while the Jupiter Banana switch requires a heavier 69 grams to bottom out. This means that the Honey switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Banana has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Honey switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Honey switch being slightly longer than the Jupiter Banana switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the more subdued sound of the Honey or the sharper sound of the Jupiter Bananas.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Honey and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer a creamy and smooth typing experience due to their polished finishes and lubricated components. Typing on these switches provides a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes, with minimal resistance or friction. Whether you choose the Honey or the Jupiter Bananas, you can expect a fluid and uniform typing feel that enhances your overall typing experience.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, users can expect similar results in terms of feel due to their creamy and polished characteristics. However, there is a notable difference in sound, with the Honey offering a subdued sound profile while the Jupiter Bananas provide a higher-pitched and resonant sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a smooth and creamy feel with a deep sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams and a high-precision mold with softer backlight effects, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch might be the better option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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