Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Jupiter Banana is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience with the added benefit of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Jupiter Banana boasts a 'Polished', 'Creamy' feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is known for being 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Each switch offers distinct advantages, but diving deeper into their specific traits will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Jupiter Banana differs in that it features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to contribute to its clear and resonant sound profile.

While both the Jupiter Banana and the Lightning Silver V3 utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for similar sound profiles, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the crisper sound produced by the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference highlights how the selection of housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Despite this distinction, the switches both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, with each housing material contributing unique characteristics to the overall performance of the switch.

In conclusion, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 showcase the versatility and impact of different materials on mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the choice of nylon for the Jupiter Banana's bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the crisper sound produced by the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches, demonstrating how material selection can impact the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and bottom out force of 69 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy typing for longer periods of time without fatigue. Although the actuation force of the Jupiter Banana is heavier than that of the Lightning Silver V3, both switches provide a medium level of resistance, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that both offer a consistent travel distance, providing a similar typing experience for users. Whether using the Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you can expect to receive comparable results in terms of key travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound, or overall feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, giving off a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana providing a softer backlight effect and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a light diffuser for added RGB illumination.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch, on the other hand, is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to offer a refined and buttery sensation while typing, ensuring a comfortable experience for users looking for a premium feel in their keyboards.

Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Jupiter Banana focuses on high precision molds and a strong return feel, the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a clacky sound signature and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option, ensuring a delightful addition to their keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a high-precision tactile switch with a strong return and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a linear switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a seamless typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the switch that suits your needs. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences for your ultimate typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Lightning Silver V3 Linear

$5.55

$4.10 per 10

Learn more