Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Jupiter Banana stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences and styles. The Bsun Jade Rosales, a linear switch known for its bouncy and clacky feel, offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to meticulous refinement over a year, including specialized housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke without any tactile interruption. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that captivates with its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced by two-stage springs that deliver a robust return and consistent feel. For users who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana's polished and resonant qualities may provide the satisfying experience they're looking for. Ultimately, each switch has its unique strengths, appealing to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community; 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity in material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is characteristic of polycarbonate's rigidity. The clear and translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing not only enhances the aesthetic appeal—especially when RGB lighting is integrated—but also contributes to the clear sound resonance that both switches share. This consistency in the top housing ensures that, regardless of other variations in materials, users can expect a similar auditory experience upon key release with both switches.
In contrast to their matching top housing, the bottom housing materials significantly diverge between the two switches. The Jade Rosales employs a proprietary BSUN blend labeled as 'Custom Milky Material,' while the Jupiter Banana features traditional nylon. This distinction in bottom housing materials leads to different sound characteristics and feels when typing. Nylon, known for its softer properties, engenders a deeper and more absorbent sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Jade Rosales's custom blend—while not explicitly defined—likely retains qualities that could either complement or contrast with its top housing depending on its hardness compared to nylon.
The interplay between the bottom and top housing materials defines each switch's overall sound and typing experience. On the Bsun Jade Rosales, the impact of its unique bottom housing material could potentially enhance the auditory nuances established by the polycarbonate top. Alternatively, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, resulting in a fuller, muted typing sound. Regardless, both switches will yield a harmonious experience, closely tied to the nature of their top housing. Users might find that while pressures felt through the key travel may differ due to the bottom housing materials, the crisp sound profile established during release remains consistent between the Jade Rosales and the Jupiter Banana switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jade Rosales switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that users of the Jade Rosales may experience less strain during long typing or gaming sessions, making it a more comfortable option for extended use. Conversely, the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, catering to those who prefer a firmer response while typing. As a result, if you prioritize lighter switches for comfort, the Jade Rosales would be the better choice, while the Jupiter Banana is ideal for those looking for a more robust tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jupiter Banana measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Jade Rosales provides a deeper engagement, offering a more pronounced feel as it travels further down with each key press. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers or those who favor a snappier actuation. Therefore, for users who prefer a more responsive experience, the Jupiter Banana would be the better choice, while the Jade Rosales may be more suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales switch produces a clacky auditory feedback, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This clackiness offers an engaging experience, perfect for those who enjoy the acoustic joy of typing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch delivers a high-pitched sound that is both sharp and resonant, resulting in a clean and immersive auditory experience. Though both switches present distinct sound signatures, they share a certain brightness in tone, making them satisfying for typists who prefer more vibrant aural feedback. However, the overall sound experience will vary depending on the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, both switches are celebrated for their creamy characteristics, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows for effortless gliding of fingers over the keys. The Jade Rosales also showcases a bouncy feel, providing a lively sensation with a spring-like rebound upon key press which enhances the typing experience with an energetic feedback. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Banana focuses on a polished tactile feel, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction. The combination of plush feedback in both switches creates a pleasant tactile sensation on the fingers, leading to an enjoyable typing experience that many users will find appealing.
In summary, the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches both offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences while maintaining some similarities. The Jade Rosales showcases a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, while the Jupiter Banana focuses on high-pitched acoustics paired with a polished texture. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise exceptional smoothness and creamy sensations, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene will enjoy satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the lively clack of the Jade Rosales or the brighter, resonant tones of the Jupiter Banana, both options provide a compelling blend of auditory delight and tactile pleasure.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a lighter actuation with a bouncy and creamy feel, along with a clacky sound that provides a lively auditory experience, the Jade Rosales is likely your best bet. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming sessions where quick response times can enhance performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback from your switches, with a medium-heavy actuation force that ensures your key presses are robust, the Jupiter Banana stands out as an excellent option. The polished finish and high-pitched resonant sound can create an engaging and satisfying typing experience. In essence, select the Jade Rosales for smooth, fast typing and gaming, while opting for the Jupiter Banana when you value the tactile bump and a more pronounced feedback. Each switch has its unique characteristics, so consider what aspects matter most to you as you make your choice.
Mentioned in this article
