HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana present two unique options to consider. The HMX Jammy, a linear switch, is best known for its soft and glittery nylon housing that offers a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. The Jammy switch is categorized as a linear switch, while the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your preferences and typing style when choosing between them. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
57g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Banana are quite different in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Jammy features a nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana boasts a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Jammy and the Jupiter Banana utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects of nylon in the top housing. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing serves to maintain consistency in sound and feel throughout the key presses, as the softer plastic absorbs sound and creates a rounder sound profile. This consistency in housing materials can lead to a cohesive typing experience for users of these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of typing. While the Jammy and the Jupiter Banana differ in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches helps maintain a consistent sound profile throughout key presses. The distinction between the duller, rounder sound of nylon in the Jammy and the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana highlights how housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and the resulting sound profile for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is clear that the Jammy is the lighter option. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, both of which fall within the medium range. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This means that the Jammy will provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Jupiter Banana. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their medium actuation forces, but those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Jupiter Banana for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is a personal preference based on individual typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 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, which are increasingly popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Jammy switch may offer a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 HMX Jammy linear switch offers a softer and more muted typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving a sharper and crisper typing feedback. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the more subdued Jammy or the more lively Jupiter Banana.
As for feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its medium-weight feel, offering a typing experience that is deeply satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch boasts a polished and creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer the medium-weight satisfaction of the Jammy or the silky sensation of the Jupiter Banana, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to different preferences.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. For those who prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Jammy might be the better choice, while the Jupiter Banana appeals to those who enjoy a livelier sound profile and a smoother key feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a high level of quality and performance, ensuring a rewarding typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a softer typing experience that is both muted and satisfying, the HMX Jammy switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch known for its high-precision molds, consistent feel, and soft backlight effects, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is the way to go. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both the HMX Jammy and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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