Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Neo Lavender HE exemplify two distinct approaches to tactile feedback and user experience. The Jupiter Banana is celebrated for its precise engineering, featuring two-stage springs that offer a robust tactile response and a soft backlight effect, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a polished and resonant keystroke. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE leverages cutting-edge hall effect technology to deliver a clean, low sound, appealing to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. While both switches cater to different preferences—one favoring a pronounced tactile feel and the other a serene keystroke environment—they each have unique attributes that can enhance your mechanical typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$2.80 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Neo Lavender HE switches exhibit significant differences in their top housing materials, with the Jupiter Banana utilizing polycarbonate while the Lavender HE employs nylon. The polycarbonate housing of the Jupiter Banana contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is partially due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a crisper auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds a visual aspect, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications since it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a keyboard with such switches.

In contrast, the Lavender HE's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound energy, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This material choice evokes a classic feel often favored by typists who prefer a more subdued and muted sound when engaging with their keyboards. The differences in the sound profiles between the two switches are reflective of the distinct qualities inherent in their respective top housing materials, making the choice of switch crucial for the desired typing feel and sound signature.

Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, contributing to a similar sound profile in this regard. Since the bottom housing's qualities play a significant role in bottom-out sound and feel, both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound characteristic when keys are pressed down. While the Jupiter Banana’s polycarbonate top offers a lively escape sound when keys are released, the overall auditory experience can still attain a measure of similarity in terms of fullness due to the nylon bottom's sound-dampening properties. Consequently, even with distinct top housings, users can expect a balanced sound experience that could be likened in some respects, particularly regarding the bottom-out feedback, thus allowing for a satisfactory typing experience regardless of the switch's top material.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Jupiter Banana features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is much lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter weight makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate the keys. Consequently, those who favor a stronger push might prefer the Gateron Jupiter Banana for its heavier feel, while those looking for ease during prolonged use would likely gravitate towards the Neo Lavender HE. In summary, the Jupiter Banana presents a medium-heavy resistance, whereas the Lavender HE offers a lighter experience, catering to different user preferences for typing comfort and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit different travel distances, measuring 3.4 mm and 3.8 mm respectively. This makes the Jupiter Banana the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for faster response times. In contrast, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm provides a deeper and heartier feel, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. While both switches are designed to meet varying preferences in tactile feedback, the choice between them ultimately comes down to whether one values a quick response or a more traditional keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Jupiter Banana presents a distinctive auditory experience characterized by high-pitched, resonant tones. Its sharp and crisp sound profile makes it suitable for those who prefer brighter auditory feedback without the richness and bass typically found in other switches. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Lavender HE are not specified, leaving its auditory profile unknown. Consequently, users looking for a definite sound signature may lean towards the Jupiter Banana where clarity and resonance are key features.

Turning to the feel of each switch, the Jupiter Banana excels with a polished and creamy touch, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The enhanced tactile feedback, coupled with reduced friction due to either the materials or possible factory lubrication, provides a luxurious sensation akin to gliding across the keys. In comparison, the feel of the Lavender HE switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to evaluate its typing experience directly against the Jupiter Banana. Without tactile descriptions for the Lavenders, enthusiasts might find they have to rely on other factors or personal testing to discover their feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out with its defined sound profile and superior tactile qualities, delivering a refreshing and enjoyable typing experience. While the Lavender HE's sound and feel remain uncertain, users seeking a polished auditory and tactile experience will likely find satisfaction with the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, personal preferences will guide newcomers in their choice, and similar results may be achieved with either switch based on the specific features and traits one values most.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a distinctive tactile feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent choice. Its polished and creamy characteristics ensure a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory clarity. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that delivers a clean and understated sound, the Lavender HE is tailored for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who want a more subtle keypress without sacrificing responsiveness, especially if you’re using compatible keyboards like the Wooting. Therefore, consider your typing style and sound preferences: go for the Jupiter Banana for a robust tactile experience, or select the Lavender HE for a lighter, quieter touch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more