Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a linear switch, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a consistent feel with strong return thanks to its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Matcha Green Pro switches provide a smooth and substantial typing experience, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback. While the Jupiter Banana is best suited for those who prefer a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro appeals to individuals who enjoy a bouncy and clacky keystroke. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to be more prominently displayed due to its translucency. However, the Jupiter Banana's bottom housing is made of nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's nylon bottom housing. This difference in material for the bottom housing may lead to a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Although both switches share the same top housing material, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro differ in their bottom housing materials. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, the softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing may absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This distinction in bottom housing materials could affect the overall typing experience and the sound produced by each switch, offering users a variety of options based on their preference for sound profile.
Considering the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro provide unique typing experiences due to their differing bottom housing materials. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows users to feel the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Gateron Jupiter Banana offering a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a lighter typing experience, which is suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a medium feel overall, with the Jupiter Banana being heavier and the V3 Matcha Green Pro being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the V3 Matcha Green Pro may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific tactile experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, producing sharp and crisp noises with each press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp and snappy sound experience. Both switches offer a clean and sharp auditory experience due to their design, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a higher pitch and the Matcha Green Pro emphasizing a bright and percussive sound. However, the actual sound produced will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Matcha Green Pro linear switch from Akko V3 provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation coupled with smooth and buttery keystrokes. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and responsiveness, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on a refined finish for sleek typing, while the Matcha Green Pro offers a lively bounce and silky sensation during keystrokes.
Taking into consideration the information provided, it's evident that both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana may cater to those seeking a high-pitched sound and a polished, creamy typing experience, the Matcha Green Pro appeals to individuals looking for a clacky, resonant sound with a bouncy, silky typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound profiles and typing feel, as both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a softer backlight effect and a high-precision mold, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth and substantial keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, paired with a clacky and resonant sound profile, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound profile of the Jupiter Banana or the linear feel and sound profile of the Matcha Green Pro. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences for the best overall experience.
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