Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mini i offer different typing experiences for users to choose from. The Jupiter Banana is known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a tactile typing experience with strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Mini i switches are lightweight and offer gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, making them ideal for long hours of comfortable typing in office settings. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Mini i is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, subtle, and stepped. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mini i both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material, providing a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a consistent typing experience with a focus on the sound and feel of bottoming out the keys.
In terms of the top housing material, the Gateron Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Gateron Mini i comes with a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and providing a rounder sound experience overall.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, the differences in their top housing materials create unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana emphasizes a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while the nylon top housing of the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics, as both provide a quality typing experience with their chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter option while the Jupiter Banana is the heavier one. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Mini i would be the optimal choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Jupiter Banana would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent feel and action. With identical travel distances, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. This makes them equally suitable for individuals who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing sharp and crisp feedback with a clean and immersive sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes without leaning towards any extreme pitch. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Banana being more vibrant and the Mini i being more balanced.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a silky sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience without being overly pronounced. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a luxurious feel and the Mini i providing a versatile and dynamic typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Mini i switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing feel, ideal for those who appreciate a refined and luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i switch offers a neutral sound profile with a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel, catering to a more versatile and dynamic typing preference. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that both options provide excellent quality and performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it's important to reflect on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound profile with a polished, creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, or stepped feel characteristics, the Mini i could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and the atmosphere in which you'll be using your keyboard. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences for a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
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