Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Keygeek Keylin

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its unique characteristics, including high-precision molds that contribute to its polished and creamy feel. Its softer backlight effects and two-stage springs ensure a strong return and a consistent typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin is a linear switch known for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, thanks to new molds developed by Keygeek. This makes the Keylin an attractive choice for users who prefer a seamless keypress without the tactile bump. While the Jupiter Banana caters to those who enjoy feedback while typing, the Keylin appeals to enthusiasts seeking an uninterrupted, fluid keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Keygeek Keylin reveals distinct differences that shape their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This material results in a crisper, higher-pitched sound when typing, along with enhanced resonance. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. This quality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users can expect a noticeably divergent typing feel and acoustics when using these two switches due to the contrasting nature of the top housing materials.

When we examine the bottom housings, we discover that both the Jupiter Banana and Keylin utilize nylon, which is renowned as a classic switch housing material. This commonality evokes a similar sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound experience. However, since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches may still produce a similar auditory signature when pressed down. Nevertheless, while the bottom housing may mitigate some sound differences, the varying materials of the top housings will leave a notable imprint on the sonic character, particularly as one releases the keys.

The combination of these materials results in a unique interaction within each switch, emphasizing the importance of both top and bottom housing when assessing typing dynamics. The Jupiter Banana differentiates itself with the high-pitched clarity of polycarbonate, which shines during key releases, while the Keylin, with its nylon top, crafts a rounded auditory profile that may appeal to users seeking a more muted experience. Ultimately, the experience of typing on each switch offers a blend of these qualities, resulting in a distinctive soundscape—users who appreciate sharper sounds might lean towards the Jupiter Banana, whereas those favoring a deeper, rounded experience might prefer the Keygeek Keylin.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, significant differences can be seen in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Keylin boasts a much lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which can lead to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, those who favor a lighter switch will likely gravitate towards the Keylin, while users seeking a firmer push will find the Jupiter Banana more appealing. The difference in total weight perception between these two switches will manifest in the tactile feedback and typing experience they offer, with the heavier Jupiter Banana providing a more deliberate feel, whereas the lighter Keylin promotes speed and ease of use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Keylin offers a slightly longer distance at 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Jupiter Banana switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking a more responsive feel, particularly beneficial for gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Keylin's longer travel distance can deliver a more pronounced actuation experience, suited for those who prefer a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Jupiter Banana would be the preferable choice; conversely, if you enjoy a hearty depth in your key presses, the Keygeek Keylin might be a better fit.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched, resonant quality, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find appealing. This sound can be particularly immersive, creating a clean and distinct noise with each keypress, making it a favorable choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors in its description, suggesting a more neutral or subdued acoustic profile, likely leaning towards a quieter operation compared to the Jupiter Banana. While other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap materials will influence the sound output, the higher pitch of the Jupiter Banana stands out distinctly.

When it comes to the feel, the Jupiter Banana tactile switch excels with its polished and creamy sensations. Users can anticipate a smooth typing experience, underscored by reduced friction that comes from quality materials and possible factory lubrication. This buttery feel allows for effortless key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience as fingers glide seamlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Keylin linear switch does not provide specific descriptors regarding its tactile qualities, making it difficult to compare in terms of feel. However, one can infer that being a linear switch, it typically provides a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, but without the distinctive tactile feedback found in the Jupiter Banana.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out with its high-pitched and resonant sound, alongside a polished and creamy feel, making it a dynamic choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and auditory clarity. The Keygeek Keylin linear switch, while potentially offering a smoother typing experience, does not offer defined qualities in sound or feel based on the information provided. For users aiming for a combination of tactile response and auditory feedback, the Jupiter Banana would be a more fitting option. In contrast, if a quieter and more linear experience aligns with a user’s preferences, the Keylin switch could still be a commendable choice, albeit with less defined characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during your typing experience, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent option, especially with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams that provides a strong and satisfying feel. This switch's high-pitched and resonant sound profile adds an auditory crispness that many typists find appealing, particularly if you favor a sharp click over a bassy sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for quick typing or gaming sessions, the Keylin’s bottom out force of 48 grams makes it a standout choice. Known for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, this linear switch delivers a buttery experience without the tactile bump, making it ideal for fast-paced environments where every keystroke counts. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your tactile preference and the typing scenarios you most commonly engage in—whether you lean towards the textured feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the effortless gliding of the Keylin linear switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more