Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, with the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, two distinct choices emerge for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jupiter Banana is renowned for its tactile feedback and high-precision molds, offering a softer backlight effect and consistent feel due to its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is favored for its smooth and budget-friendly linear design, providing a buttery typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Jupiter Banana excels in providing a creamy and resonant typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out for its bassy and thocky keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using both switches.
However, the clear distinction lies in the top housing materials of the two switches. The Jupiter Banana boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. This difference in top housing material will result in distinct sound characteristics when typing on the two switches.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vary in terms of their impact on sound profiles, both switches offer a quality typing experience. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a deep and full sound during typing, while the choice of polycarbonate for the Jupiter Banana and nylon for the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) top housing creates unique sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches provide options to cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. The difference in weight between the two switches can impact typing comfort and user preference. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milky Red Pro, which allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Jupiter Banana for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, catering to users with varying preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switch provides a deeper keypress with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences and needs. Overall, selecting between the two switches would depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as having a more bassy and thocky sound, creating a deeper and richer sound experience. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound, whether they prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound or a lower-pitched and bassy thock.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and offers a silky sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, offering a seamless and uniform sensation with each key press. Again, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference for the type of tactile feedback and smoothness of the keystrokes.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you lean towards a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery typing sensation, the Milky Red Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance, and the decision will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel of each switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched “thock” sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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