Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Black stand out as popular choices with distinctive features. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, boasts Cherry's Hyperglide tooling for a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile while typing. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; the Jupiter Banana offers a polished and creamy typing experience, while the MX Black provides a stiff and textured feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Black, it is clear that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the nylon material. However, the use of different materials for their top housing sets them apart. The Jupiter Banana utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Black employs a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Black will contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile, the differences lie in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer nature, while the nylon top housing of the MX Black absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer and duller sound profile. These materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience on these switches, with the Jupiter Banana offering a crisper sound and the MX Black providing a more muted sound.
The impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches is evident when considering the qualities of the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in material choice highlights how the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Black offer different typing experiences based on the housing materials used in their construction.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Cherry MX Black linear switch's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana requires 69 grams while the MX Black needs 80 grams, making the MX Black the heavier option for both measurements. The Jupiter Banana offers a medium-heavy feel, while the MX Black provides a heavy typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Jupiter Banana may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and heavier keystroke may lean towards the Cherry MX Black switch for a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Black being closer to the average 4.0mm and the Jupiter Banana being on the shorter side at 3.4mm. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 tactile switch is characterized by high-pitched and resonant qualities, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, with an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the sound produced by each switch will ultimately be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a distinct auditory experience from each switch.
Moving onto the feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is characterized by its textured and stiff qualities, providing noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. The difference in tactile feedback and actuation force between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience and preferences of users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana switch provides a high-pitched sound profile and a polished, creamy typing experience, the MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feeling while typing. Users looking for a sharp, crisp sound and smooth key travel might prefer the Jupiter Banana switch, while those who prefer a bass-heavy sound and noticeable friction might lean towards the MX Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Cherry MX Black linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a high-precision mold, softer backlight effects, and a strong return with consistent feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a smooth and deep sound profile, and a textured typing experience, the Cherry MX Black switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, consider your sound and feel preferences to determine which switch will provide you with the most satisfying typing experience.
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