Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Mamba offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Mamba is a linear switch that offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, inspired by Kobe Bryant himself. Both switches have their own appeal - the Jupiter Banana with its polished and high-pitched feel, and the Mamba with its neutral and thocky touch. 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

Durock Mamba Linear

$2.80 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

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Housing materials

In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Mamba offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound, appealing to users who enjoy a smoother typing sound. Both switches feature top housings that are designed to enhance sound quality, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on clarity and resonance, while the Mamba prioritizes a more balanced and enjoyable typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to the Mamba's POM bottom housing. The Mamba's POM bottom housing, on the other hand, produces a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both switches offer bottom housings that contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch. The choice between nylon and POM bottom housing ultimately comes down to personal preference, with nylon providing a softer typing experience and POM offering a more distinct sound profile.

Ultimately, the housing materials used in the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Mamba play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. While the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and bright typing experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Mamba delivers a unique and muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them both excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see that the Jupiter Banana has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Mamba, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana requires 69 grams, while the Mamba only needs 60 grams. This makes the Mamba the lighter option between the two. The actuation force of the Jupiter Banana provides a medium-heavy typing experience, whereas the Mamba offers a medium force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Mamba, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to different preferences and needs.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for this very reason. However, for some individuals, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, which produce sharp and crisp sounds with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a brighter sound and the Mamba providing a more mellow, yet satisfying sound.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Durock Mamba switch provides a mild and polished feel, which is gentle and approachable to most users, with a sleek typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana switch offers a buttery sensation that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys, the Mamba switch provides a safe and middle-ground typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, while the Mamba delivers a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, but regardless of choice, users can expect a high level of performance and satisfaction from either option.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Durock Mamba linear switch, it's important to think about your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a strong return and consistent feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba linear switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana could be the ideal pick. However, if you prefer a neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, the Mamba may better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more