Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Light Tactile both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, along with the two-stage springs that provide a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile stands out for its gentle tactility and smooth typing experience, offering a welcome change from sharper tactile switches. While the Jupiter Banana is described as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Light Tactile is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Light Tactile switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this top housing material, they may vary in other aspects such as the design and overall feel of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gateron Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Durock Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
While both switches have different bottom housing materials, the impact of each housing material is felt differently during use. The qualities of the bottom housing material will be evident when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the properties of each housing material in the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Light Tactile, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch which has an actuation force of 52 grams. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Jupiter Banana requiring 69 grams and the Light Tactile requiring 67 grams. The Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, while the Light Tactile offers a lighter actuation force for those who prefer a gentler typing feel. However, both switches offer a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, so users can expect consistent results in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Light Tactile may provide a more satisfying depth to the typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. Overall, the Jupiter Banana offers a shorter travel distance, while the Light Tactile provides a longer one, catering to different preferences in the typing community.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a crisp and sharp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The choice between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile you are looking to achieve in your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and silky key travel. Meanwhile, the Durock Light Tactile switch is labeled as mild and polished, providing a gentler typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with slight variations in their tactile feedback and overall feel.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Light Tactile switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Banana provides a sharper sound and a more pronounced tactile feel, the Light Tactile switch offers a softer sound profile and a gentler tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so experimenting with both options may be the best way to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and enjoy a more resonant and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a polished and creamy typing experience with strong tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch may be the more suitable option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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