Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch renowned for its high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and the feel provided by its unique two-stage springs, delivering a polished, creamy experience with a satisfying tactile bump. This switch is an excellent choice for users who value a nuanced feedback during typing without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilizes Hall Effect technology to produce a bright, clacky sound, making it a top contender for those who prioritize superior acoustics and an exhilarating typing sensation. This switch is especially ideal for gamers and typists seeking a dynamic audio experience while providing seamless performance. Both switches have their dedicated fanbases, each excelling in different areas, 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

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$2.80 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, and this shared characteristic assures that both switches will produce a comparatively crisp and resonant audio experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their visual appeal, particularly for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through more efficiently. This means that users can expect a similar auditory quality from both switches when pressed, courtesy of their identical top housings.

In contrast to their shared polycarbonate tops, the Jupiter Banana and Magnetic Jade switches are both equipped with nylon bottom housings, which diverges in acoustic characteristics from the polycarbonate material. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that while the upper sound profile will be bright and sharp, the lower end will have a rounder and duller characteristic, providing a well-balanced auditory experience. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this contributes further to their ability to deliver a sound experience that is consistent in depth and resonance.

Ultimately, the overall sound profile of both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches may show similarities due to the matching polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The combination of the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon results in a unique interplay of sound characteristics—where the top housing lends brightness to the acoustic performance while the bottom housing deepens the tone. Therefore, users can anticipate a cohesive auditory experience from either switch; the combination of materials ensures that each offers an engaging typing experience, albeit with nuanced differences based on the user's touch and typing style.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade is much lighter, with an actuation force of only 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, especially for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. As such, the Jupiter Banana is heavier and will provide a more tactile feedback, while the Magnetic Jade offers a softer keystroke that may reduce fatigue during extended use. Therefore, users seeking a stronger push feel should opt for the Jupiter Banana, while those looking for ease and quick responses will likely prefer the Magnetic Jade.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we find slight differences that can influence user experience. The Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Magnetic Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Jupiter Banana the shorter option and may provide a more responsive feel for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper typing experience. The minimal difference in travel distances suggests that both switches can deliver similar performance, but the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches deliver a high-pitched and resonant auditory profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for those who favor cleaner and brighter auditory experiences in their typing, avoiding the richer, bass-heavy tones that some switches might offer. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are not explicitly described in terms of sound, but are known for their bright and clacky nature; hence they are likely to produce a lively and engaging auditory feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy characteristics, allowing for a smooth and refined typing experience. The well-crafted two-stage springs contribute to an effortless key travel, further enhancing the tactile feedback as each key is pressed. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Magnetic Jade switches is not specified, leaving an unknown element in their tactile responsiveness and overall typing sensation. However, given the high praise for these switches, one can expect a substantial typing experience.

Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Magnetic Jade switches cater to enthusiasts looking for superior typing experiences but differ in their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its polished feel and clean, sharp sound, while the Magnetic Jade is recognized for its clacky auditory response, though its feel remains unspecified. If sound experience is a priority for you, the brighter tones of both could lead to similar results, but the Jupiter Banana is more defined in its tactile qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more tactile and robust experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 69 grams, the Jupiter Banana is a solid choice; its polished and creamy feel provides a luxurious typing experience, complemented by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that may appeal to those who appreciate sharper acoustics. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a brighter, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade, with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, might be more suitable for you. This switch excels in delivering a dynamic auditory experience, making it particularly effective for gaming and fast-paced typing situations. Ultimately, consider how each switch's unique characteristics align with your individual typing preferences and use cases to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more