Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it becomes evident that both have unique features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The Jupiter Bananas from Gateron are known for their high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switches stand out with their unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. While the Jupiter Banana switch provides a strong return and consistent feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral and subtle typing experience, making it a great starting point for enthusiasts looking to hand-lube their switches. 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
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Jupiter Banana boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. While both provide a clear and resonant sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana may be better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon material that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, offers a unique sound experience as well. Although both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, the nylon material of the Jupiter Banana may provide a more tactile typing experience compared to the UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for a crisper sound and RGB lighting, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers its own exclusive sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a deeper sound while the UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw provides a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Jupiter Banana has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, making it a lighter option. Some users may prefer the lighter Keygeek Raw switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier Jupiter Banana switch for a more pronounced push feel. In either case, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent and uniform travel distance experience. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of key press feedback and actuation. In this case, both switches offer the same level of tactile or linear feedback, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound that can be quite immersive. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, these descriptions give a good indication of the auditory experience each switch can provide.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy texture, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch is described as providing a slightly textured feel right out of the box, thanks to its unique material blend. This switch falls into the middle-ground zone of mild and subtle typing experiences, appealing to a wider range of users.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched, resonant sound and a polished, creamy feel, the Keygeek Raw offers a more neutral sound profile and a mildly textured typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. If you prefer a sharper, more refined sound with smooth key travel, the Jupiter Banana may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a more neutral sound and a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw could be the better choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound with a polished or creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a textured, mild, or subtle typing feel, the Keygeek Raw could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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