Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a consistent tactile feel with strong return. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its sharp tactile feel and rare blend of PBT top and bottom housing, creating a premium typing experience with a distinctively sharp and punchy sound. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished and creamy, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as sharp and accented. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) incorporates a PBT top housing, known for offering a more neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. While the Jupiter Banana's top housing is ideal for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience, the Moyu Black's PBT top housing focuses more on creating a balanced sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Jupiter Banana features a nylon housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to other materials. In comparison, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also utilizes a PBT bottom housing, offering a similar neutral sound profile to its top housing. Both switches aim to provide a well-rounded sound experience, with the Jupiter Banana emphasizing a deeper sound due to nylon's characteristics and the Moyu Black maintaining a consistent sound profile with its PBT material.
While the housing materials differ between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), the qualities each material brings to the switches ultimately impact the overall sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches strive to provide users with a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience based on their chosen housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch differ slightly in weight. The Jupiter Banana has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the Moyu Black has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams but a similar bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, providing a tactile typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Moyu Black for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Banana for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. Gamers may opt for the Jupiter Banana for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of keypress depth, with the Jupiter Banana providing a shallower feel and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offering a slightly deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
In comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, both switches are described as having a resonant sound profile. This means that users can expect a higher-pitched and clean sound when typing on either switch. However, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is specifically noted for its sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound produced during the downstroke, creating a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana is said to offer a high-pitched sound, which may appeal to users who prefer sharper and crisper sound profiles.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jupiter Banana is referred to as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as accented and sharp, offering a medium tactile feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keystroke. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its particular blend of tactile feedback and smooth key press sensation.
Overall, while both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch. The Jupiter Banana provides a softer backlight effect and enhanced two-stage springs for consistent feel, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) boasts a rare blend of PBT housing and a strong downstroke and upstroke tactile bump for a distinctive and impactful typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback intensity.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a softer backlight effect and consistent feel with a polished and creamy typing sensation, the Jupiter Banana may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp, punchy sound with a hypertactile sensation and a strong downstroke and upstroke bump, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound, so consider how you like your switches to perform before making a choice.