Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, with the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, some significant differences emerge. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making it a popular choice for users seeking a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent tactile feedback. While the Ink Yellow is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Jupiter Banana is described as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, it is evident that they offer different sound profiles due to their unique material compositions. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana's housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting. These differences in sound profile can cater to individual preferences for typing experience.

Furthermore, the bottom housing materials of the Ink Yellow and the Jupiter Banana also contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, complementing the top housing characteristics. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. The absorption of sound by the nylon material creates a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the Ink Yellow's bottom housing.

While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana differ in composition and sound profiles, it is important to note that both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience. The combination of top and bottom housing materials influences the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether opting for the high-pitched clacky sound of the Ink Yellow or the sharper, crisper sound of the Jupiter Banana, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to varying preferences.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, with a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 69 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight, with the Ink Yellow being slightly lighter to trigger but requiring a bit more force to bottom out compared to the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Ink Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial key press feel compared to the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - with the Ink Yellow offering a slightly longer travel distance, and the Jupiter Banana providing a slightly shorter travel distance for a quicker key response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a more distinctive and immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth feel that is approachable to most users. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch also offers a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the creamy sensation of the Jupiter Banana switch adds a luxurious touch to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and enjoyable. Both switches offer a refined feel that caters to different preferences, whether one prefers a more subtle or indulgent typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow switch provides a neutral and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Jupiter Banana switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It's important to consider how these qualities align with your personal preferences and typing habits to determine which switch is the best fit for you.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a shorter travel distance and a smooth, clacky typing experience similar to a laptop keyboard, the Ink Yellow is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile switch with high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a strong return with consistent feel, the Jupiter Banana is the better choice. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral or clacky sound profile and a mild or polished typing feel, the Ink Yellow is more suitable. However, if you enjoy high-pitched or resonant sound profiles along with a polished or creamy typing sensation, the Jupiter Banana is the ideal option. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision between these two exceptional Gateron switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more