Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Haimu Neo White offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, giving it a polished and high-pitched feel with a creamy and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Neo White is a linear switch with medium weight and reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel with smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. While the Jupiter Banana offers a strong return and consistent feel, the Neo White gives a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Haimu Neo White feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches will provide a similar sound experience, especially when it comes to key press and release sounds.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Jupiter Banana utilizes nylon, while the Neo White also employs nylon for its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This means that the typing experience on both switches will likely be characterized by a duller and rounder sound, showcasing the unique properties of nylon as a housing material.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that even though the Jupiter Banana and the Neo White share the same top housing material, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing will result in slight variations in sound and feel when typing on each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Jupiter Banana has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Neo White, which has a force of None grams, making the Jupiter Banana require a slightly heavier push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana has a heavier force of 69 grams, while the Neo White has a lighter force of 58 grams. This means that while the Jupiter Banana offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, the Neo White provides a lighter touch for more extended typing periods. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter touch of the Neo White and others opting for the heavier feel of the Jupiter Banana.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch. The slightly shorter travel distance on the Jupiter Banana provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or extended use. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in modern keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference for either a faster or more deliberate key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 best described as high-pitched and resonant, producing a sharp and crisp sound with an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is noted for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. While the sound produced by each switch may vary based on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the Jupiter Banana will provide a more distinct and vibrant sound compared to the more neutral sound of the Neo White.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. The creaminess of the switch adds to the overall sleekness of typing, allowing for effortless keystrokes with a silky sensation. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls into a safe middle ground zone. While the Neo White may not offer the same level of smoothness and refinement as the Jupiter Banana, it still provides a comfortable typing experience suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing experience, while the Neo White delivers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, but both switches are capable of providing satisfying results depending on the user's specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-precision tactile typing experience with soft backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience with a slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White could be the switch that suits your preferences. Additionally, if you appreciate a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy typing feel, the Jupiter Banana may be more to your liking. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience that is approachable to most, the Neo White might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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