HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference can play a significant role in your decision-making process. The HMX Jelly switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound and an impressively smooth typing experience, thanks to its exceptional factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an excellent choice for users who favor a quiet and consistent keystroke without the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, offers a unique typing experience characterized by high-precision molds and a creamy, resonant sound profile. Enhanced with two-stage springs, these switches provide a satisfying tactile bump with a strong return, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more textured feel while typing. Both switches have their merits: the Jelly for its smoothness and quieter operation, and the Jupiter Banana for its engaging tactile feedback. 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 Jelly Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the Gateron Jupiter Banana showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The Jelly's top housing is crafted from nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer material known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This divergence in materials not only alters the auditory experience but also affects the aesthetic qualities of each switch; the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana enhances the vibrancy of RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon found in the Jelly does not offer the same visual effect.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that when engaged, both the Jelly and the Banana will exhibit similar characteristics related to sound. Because nylon is a classic housing material known for its ability to absorb sound, both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during the bottoming-out phase. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Jelly and the Jupiter Banana can deliver a comparable auditory experience during certain aspects of their operation.

When considering the overall performance of these switches, it becomes evident that the different top housing materials will create a balanced sound experience, as one emphasizes warmth and fullness while the other provides clarity and brightness. The impact of the top and bottom housings is statistical; while the Jelly’s nylon adds depth to the sound, the polycarbonate of the Jupiter Banana sharpens it. Thus, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch defines their unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for auditory feedback and tactile experience. Whether one prefers the rounded sound of the Jelly or the sharper resonance of the Jupiter Banana, the applications will ultimately depend on which auditory profile complements their typing style or preference more closely.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The Jelly switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without inducing fatigue. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana switch features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. Consequently, individuals seeking a light and effortless typing experience would gravitate towards the Jelly switch, while those who prefer a firmer touch would find the Jupiter Banana more desirable. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the unique strengths of each switch, allowing users to choose based on their typing preferences and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we observe that the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jupiter Banana features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Jelly a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, as its longer travel can provide a sense of depth that some users find satisfying. Conversely, the shorter travel of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances typically allow for faster actuation. Consequently, if you favor a more responsive feel, the Jupiter Banana’s distance is ideal, while those seeking a more pronounced keypress may prefer the HMX Jelly.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly switch is known for its low-pitched, deep thocky signature, creating a rich and satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of bass-heavy profiles. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches produce a high-pitched and resonant sound, characterized by a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when pressed. This stark difference in sound profiles means that if you prefer a deeper, thocky noise, the Jelly will likely satisfy you, whereas if you lean more towards a clean, high-pitched sound that can enhance the typing experience, the Jupiter Banana might be a better fit. Keep in mind that sound is also influenced by the keyboard’s construction and keycap choice, so the final output can vary significantly depending on those factors.

In terms of feel, the Jelly switch is renowned for its buttery smoothness attributed to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, which provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switches boast a polished feel enhanced by their two-stage springs, resulting in a sleek typing experience. They are designed to ensure a strong return while minimizing friction. With the Jelly's super smooth characteristic, and the Bananas offering creamy, refined sensations, both switches create an exceptionally pleasant typing experience, but the Jelly leans more towards a lightweight smoothness, while the Jupiter Banana integrates that polish into a responsive tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches vary considerably in sound, with Jelly offering a thocky and deep tone and Jupiter Bananas presenting a high-pitched and resonant tone, they both provide exceptional typing feels, though they embody different sensations. The Jelly is super smooth and lightweight, while the Jupiter Banana is creamy and polished, leading to distinct yet satisfying experiences in their own rights. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lightweight, smooth typing experience, the Jelly switch, with its 42g actuation force and deep, thocky sound signature, is an excellent choice. It's ideal for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes and prefer a pronounced sound that doesn't overpower their surroundings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback during your typing sessions and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation force, the Jupiter Banana switch could be the better option for you. With its 69g bottom-out force, polished feel, and high-pitched, resonant sound profile, it offers a satisfying tactile bump and a striking auditory experience. Consider your primary usage—whether it's gaming, where speed and smoothness might be key, or typing, where tactile feedback can enhance accuracy and engagement—to determine which switch aligns with your style. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so take into account what aspects matter most to you in a keyboard experience when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more