Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Bsun Light Sakura

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often grapple with the choice between tactile and linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch renowned for its satisfying feedback and distinct feel, characterized by its high-precision molds that create a polished typing experience, enhanced with softer backlight effects. Its two-stage springs provide a robust return and consistency that many users appreciate, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is a linear switch that emphasizes comfort and discretion, featuring an ultra-light feel that is perfect for extensive typing sessions. Its silent operation makes it well-suited for office environments or shared spaces, appealing to users who prioritize a gentle typing experience without the klacks and clacks of traditional mechanical switches. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you value tactile feedback or a smooth, quiet operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$2.80 per 10

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Bsun Light Sakura switches, both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to some similarities in sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This leads to a resonance that enhances the overall auditory experience when typing, providing clarity. Additionally, their translucent nature allows for effective RGB lighting effects, which not only enhances the aesthetic of a keyboard but also showcases the lighting more vibrantly. Therefore, one can expect that the auditory performance associated with the top housings will be quite similar for both switches, making them an appealing choice for those who prioritize RGB compatibility and crisp sound.

In contrast to their top housings, the Jupiter Banana and Light Sakura differ significantly in their bottom materials, which ultimately affects their overall sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its more absorbent properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound that complements the clarity of the polycarbonate top, providing a balanced auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the top housing's characteristics and thus emphasizing a sharper, crisper sound throughout the switch. This distinction in bottom housing materials means that while both switches share a similar top sound profile, their overall acoustic and tactile experiences will differ.

The differences between the Jupiter Banana and Light Sakura's bottom housings emphasize the nuanced experience of typing on each switch. With nylon's sound-absorbing qualities in the Jupiter Banana, users may find that it offers a satisfying bottom-out feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the Light Sakura's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout both housings promotes a uniform exploitation of sound, leading to a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide a similar auditory experience from the top housing, the differences in the bottom housing materials are crucial in defining the overall feel and sound of each switch, thereby catering to different user preferences and typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features a relatively medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. In contrast, the Light Sakura is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This stark difference suggests that the Jupiter Banana will provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the lighter forces of the Light Sakura will cater to users who favor a softer touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Jupiter Banana is the heavier switch, while the Light Sakura is the lighter option, making them suitable for different typing preferences and needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the Jupiter Banana measures 3.4 mm, while the Light Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jupiter Banana offers a shorter travel distance, resulting in a more responsive feel that some gamers may appreciate for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Light Sakura at 3.6 mm might provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a traditional key switch experience. Thus, if you value rapid responses in your typing or gaming, the Jupiter Banana could be the better choice, while the Light Sakura may be favored by users looking for a fuller key press sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a distinctive high-pitched and resonant auditory signature. This sound profile provides a sharp and crisp feedback when a key is pressed, which can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch is designed for quiet operation, meaning it likely produces a significantly softer sound or is almost silent during use. This makes it ideal for environments where noise can be a distraction, such as shared offices or during long typing sessions where concentration is key.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is characterized by a polished and creamy texture. The polished nature results in a smooth and refined typing experience, which is due to high-quality materials and possibly factory lubrication that reduces friction. This ensures a silky sensation as you glide your fingers over the keys, allowing for effortless key presses. The Light Sakura, while detailed characteristics of its feel are unknown, is known for its ultra-light operation, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, likely providing a comfortable and fatigue-reducing experience.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch excels in providing a distinct sound and a smooth, polished feel, making it a great choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile responses. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch caters to those who prefer a quieter and more discreet typing experience, focusing on comfort for long durations. Both switches offer unique experiences catering to different preferences, whether you are looking for auditory engagement or a serene typing environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a tactile feel with a pronounced bump and a satisfying auditory response, you might find the Jupiter Banana to be your ideal companion. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 69 grams provides a robust typing experience, making it suitable for typists who appreciate feedback and a higher sound profile during their key presses. This switch is especially advantageous in gaming or situations where swift, confident keystrokes are paramount. On the other hand, if you seek a serene typing environment and a lighter, gentler touch, the Light Sakura with its 43-gram actuation force might be more to your liking. Its silent operation and smooth travel are perfect for long hours of typing, especially in shared workspaces where noise reduction is critical. In essence, whether you prioritize tactile engagement and sound with the Jupiter Banana or an ultra-light, quiet typing experience with the Light Sakura will guide your decision on which switch best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Light Sakura Linear

$4.00

$3.49 per 10

Learn more