Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Macchiato offer two distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is renowned for its high-precision molds and two-stage springs, providing a stronger return and consistent feel, which many typists love for the tactile feedback it offers—ideal for those who enjoy a responsive keypress while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, a linear switch crafted by YG Studio, delivers a silky smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and seamless action with no tactile bump. While the Jupiter Banana excels in providing a distinct tactile sensation and a more polished aesthetic, the Macchiato shines with its effortless keypress and smooth operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and HMX Macchiato switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, leading to contrasting acoustic profiles. The Jupiter Banana employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This material allows the switch to resonate more clearly, contributing to a high-pitched acoustic experience. Its translucency makes it particularly compatible with RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual effects while underscoring the auditory clarity. In contrast, the Macchiato's top housing is made from nylon, which is a softer material. This difference in hardness results in a deeper, rounder sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, making for a more subdued auditory experience.
Conversely, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, effectively equalizing some of the auditory characteristics of the two models. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both the Jupiter Banana and the Macchiato creates a consistent impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a classic switch material known for its sound-absorbing quality, it ensures that both switches share similar fundamental characteristics in this aspect, despite their differing top materials.
The combination of the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates an intriguing dynamic where the crisper top sound contrast with the deeper bottom sound, yielding a complex auditory profile. In comparison, the Macchiato's all-nylon construction promotes a more cohesive, rounded sound throughout the entire switch stroke. Therefore, users can expect a stark divergence in sound when pressing or releasing the keys, particularly with the Jupiter Banana's brighter high sounds mixing with the Macchiato's smoother and fuller tones, creating unique sound experiences driven by their specific housing material pairings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom-out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Macchiato offers a notably lighter experience with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, placing it firmly in the light switch category. This difference means that users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Macchiato, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Jupiter Banana. Overall, the Jupiter Banana provides a heavier force while the Macchiato is designed for a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Macchiato measures at 4 mm. This makes the Jupiter Banana the shorter option, appealing to users who favor a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Macchiato's longer travel distance of 4 mm may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a deeper feedback when pressing keys. Therefore, if you're looking for a more tactile experience, the Macchiato would be the better choice, but for quicker actuation, the Jupiter Banana would serve you well.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, the Jupiter Banana reveals a distinctive auditory character. It primarily offers a high-pitched, resonant sound that produces a sharp and crisp auditory feedback during typing. Those who prefer a more subdued acoustic experience may appreciate the Jupiter Banana’s traits, as it provides a clean, immersive auditory ambiance. As for the Macchiato, its sound characteristics remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experienced could vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials used with either switch.
In terms of tactile feel, the Jupiter Banana switches shine with their polished and creamy textures. This smoothness is a result of high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing, leading to a refined typing experience with reduced friction. Users can expect a silky sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, contributing to an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato switch does not have specific descriptions regarding its feel, which leaves its overall tactile qualities unknown in comparison to the Jupiter Banana’s well-defined attributes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a clear advantage in terms of both sound and feel, with its high-pitched, resonant audio profile and its polished, creamy texture ensuring an engaging typing experience. While the HMX Macchiato linear switch remains less defined in these aspects, it may still satisfy users who prioritize a smooth, quiet operation in their keyboard feel. Those seeking a tactile, responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana, whereas the Macchiato may serve individuals who prefer an undetermined feel that can still potentially deliver a refined experience. Overall, both switches could provide satisfactory typing results, depending on personal preferences and additional customizable components.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch greatly depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a heavier feel under your fingers, the Jupiter Banana, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams, may be your go-to option. Ideal for typists who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory engagement, the Jupiter Banana features a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that can enhance your typing experience. This switch's polished and creamy feel ensures smooth key travel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a refined tactile sensation while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Macchiato with its 50-gram bottom out force would suit you better. Although it lacks the pronounced tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana, the Macchiato offers an effortless typing experience that is ideal for rapid typing sessions or long periods of use without fatigue. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the sensory experience you desire to determine which switch aligns more with your needs.
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