Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options, each offering a unique typing experience suited to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is renowned for its high-precision molds and enhanced two-stage springs, delivering a strong return and a tactile response that many typists find gratifying. Its categorized characteristics—polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant—contribute to a typing experience that feels both responsive and engaging. In contrast, the HMX Lucky introduces a linear experience with a softer and glittery nylon housing, providing a light, neutral, and deeply satisfying keystroke that appeals to those who prefer a smoother, quieter operation. Described with attributes like clacky, bouncy, silky, and polished, the Lucky switch invites a fluid and uninterrupted typing flow. While both switches cater to distinct user experiences, they each excel in their respective domains—whether you're drawn to the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the seamless glide of the Lucky. 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

HMX Lucky Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Lucky switches showcase significant differences, primarily in their top housing, which affects the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's relatively stiff nature allows for clearer resonance, which is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is incorporated due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Lucky is equipped with a nylon top housing, a classic choice that generates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, while the Jupiter Banana's top housing lends itself to a bright and vibrant typing experience, the Lucky’s design prioritizes warmth and depth.

On the bottom housing front, both the Jupiter Banana and HMX Lucky utilize nylon, which introduces a consistent dimension to their performance. Nylon's inherent properties enable both switches to deliver a deeper sound profile on key presses, contributing to a rounder acoustic response. This similarity means that regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom housing quality harmonizes the overall auditory output of the switches. When typing on either switch, you can expect a substantial depth to the sound due to the nylon material, allowing users to engage with their typing experience on a more tactile level. This shared choice of bottom housing creates a cohesive feel when bottoming out, despite the variances in their upper sections.

Ultimately, the contrasting characteristics of the Jupiter Banana and the HMX Lucky can provide users with distinct auditory experiences, shaped largely by their top housing materials. The Jupiter Banana’s polycarbonate top delivers a bright, crisp sound, ideal for users who prefer an energetic auditory feedback, especially with RGB lighting. Conversely, the Lucky’s nylon top caters more to individuals seeking depth and warmth in their keystrokes. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches establishes a unique commonality, ensuring that the foundational sound profile remains consistent. Therefore, while users may achieve different sound experiences upon key release, the impact of the bottom housing guarantees a cohesive, rich typing sensation in both cases.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jupiter Banana features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Lucky switch is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This significant difference means that the Lucky switch will likely offer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming marathons. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers might appreciate the Jupiter Banana's stronger resistance. In summary, while the Jupiter Banana is the heavier option, providing a firmer typing experience, the HMX Lucky offers a lighter touch, ideal for users seeking comfort over prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lucky switch measures a slightly longer 3.8 mm. This means that if you choose the Jupiter Banana, you’ll benefit from a shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. Conversely, the HMX Lucky, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more traditional and hearty feel that some users appreciate for its depth. If you're looking for a switch that provides more responsiveness, the Jupiter Banana would be the way to go, while those who enjoy a deeper key press might prefer the Lucky switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. This combination results in a sharp and clean sound that many users find appealing, especially if they prefer brighter and crisper audio feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky linear switch delivers a clacky sound, which is also sharp and snappy but with a more percussive quality. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Jupiter Banana leans towards a high-pitched tone, whereas the Lucky's clacky sound may provide a more rhythmic click that some users enjoy. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in the choice between the two.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is highlighted as providing a polished and creamy typing experience. This means users can expect a smooth and refined finish, which allows for effortless key travel. The creaminess adds a silky sensation upon each keystroke, making typing feel quite luxurious. Conversely, the HMX Lucky switch is characterized by a bouncy and silky feel. The bounce contributes an energetic, spring-like response, enhancing the dynamics of typing. With both switches offering a polished finish, users can expect some similarity in the smoothness of each keystroke, yet the Jupiter Banana leans more towards a creamy texture, while the Lucky emphasizes a lively rebound.

In summary, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and HMX Lucky linear switch showcase unique qualities in both sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana offers a high-pitched, resonant sound with a creamy and polished feel, ideal for those seeking a smooth and refined typing experience. The Lucky switch, with its clacky sound and bouncy, silky feel, caters to users who appreciate a more dynamic and lively typing sensation. When selecting between them, consider what auditory and tactile attributes resonate with your personal typing style, as both options provide their own rewarding experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch will largely depend on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and heavier typing experience, the Jupiter Banana is the way to go. Its 69-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying, medium-heavy resistance that can enhance typing accuracy and reduce accidental key presses, making it a great option for dedicated typists and gamers who prefer a bit of feedback. The high-pitched and resonant sound profile further adds an auditory sharpness that can make typing feel more engaging. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter, more fluid keystroke, the HMX Lucky switch, with its 43-gram bottom-out force, will be better suited to your needs. Offering a bouncy, silky typing experience combined with a clacky sound that is lively yet crisp, the Lucky is perfect for those who appreciate quick, effortless typing often required for lengthy writing sessions or rapid gaming. Ultimately, the right switch for you hinges on whether you value tactile feedback and a stronger actuation force or a lightweight, smooth, and less resistant feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more