Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer unique features for different preferences. The Jupiter Banana from Gateron is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a creamy and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a heftier feel similar to the MX Red but operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Jupiter Banana is polished and high-pitched, the MX Silent Red is muted and low-pitched. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Jupiter Banana offering a strong return and consistent feel, and the MX Silent Red providing a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that they both use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. This similarity suggests that the typing experience on these switches will be quite comparable in terms of sound feedback when pressing down on the keys.
However, the key difference lies in the top housing material used in these switches. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper sound profile that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in top housing material will impact the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in the Jupiter Banana and nylon for the Cherry MX Silent Red results in distinct sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon top housing. The combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound feedback.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the MX Silent Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has a higher actuation force of 59 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Jupiter Banana is 69 grams, making it heavier in that aspect compared to the MX Silent Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana providing a more substantial push feel due to its higher bottom out force, while the MX Silent Red offers a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is designed to operate silently, with a muted and thocky sound profile that minimizes noise and offers a quieter typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, the high-pitched sound of the Jupiter Banana may be more satisfying for some users, while others may prefer the quieter and more subtle sound of the MX Silent Red switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as providing a polished and creamy typing experience, resulting in smooth and refined key presses that glide effortlessly. This may appeal to users who prefer a softer and more luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, offering a slight friction when pressed that some users may find adds a desirable level of tactility to their typing experience. It's important to consider whether a smooth and buttery feel or a slightly textured sensation is more appealing to your typing style.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it's clear that they offer distinct choices in both sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and polished typing experience, while the MX Silent Red offers a muted and textured alternative. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If sound and feel are a top priority for you, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a key switch that operates silently and has a slightly heftier feel similar to the MX Red but with a quieter sound profile, the MX Silent Red is the way to go. Additionally, if you enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana is the better option, whereas if you prefer a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, the MX Silent Red is more suitable. Furthermore, if you favor a polished and creamy feel in your switches, the Jupiter Banana will provide a smooth and refined typing experience, while the MX Silent Red offers a slightly textured feel for those who prefer a bit of friction. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch best suits your needs and preferences.
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