Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry stand out as top choices for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Jupiter Banana offers a unique experience with its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is known for its sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. While the Jupiter Banana is described as 'polished' and 'high-pitched', the Blueberry is characterized as 'snappy' and 'buttery'. Both switches offer distinct attributes that cater to different preferences in typing 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
55g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer a different auditory experience based on their top housing material, with the polycarbonate providing a clearer, resonant sound compared to the POM's deeper tones.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana incorporates a nylon material that results in a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Blueberry also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique deep sound. While the top housing influences the sound when pressing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the overall typing experience, affecting the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a similar deep and muted sound profile, creating a consistent auditory experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing may not offer the same level of transparency but provides a unique look and feel. Both switches bring a touch of visual appeal to any keyboard setup, with the choice between polycarbonate and POM allowing users to customize their typing experience based on sound preferences and lighting needs. Whether opting for the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper tones of POM, both switches offer a balance between performance and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is slightly lighter at 59 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch at 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Jupiter Banana switch is also lighter at 69 grams, while the Blueberry switch requires a heavier force of 80 grams to bottom out. This means that the Jupiter Banana switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the NovelKeys Blueberry has a longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Jupiter Banana would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a longer travel distance, the NovelKeys Blueberry would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant experience, providing a sharp and clean auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound, delivering a deeper tone that is not as "thocky" as some other switches. Both switches offer a resonant sound profile, ensuring an immersive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the final sound produced, but you can expect distinct sound profiles from these two switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a snappy and invigorating feel, characterized by responsiveness and pronounced feedback. Additionally, the Blueberry switch is also described as buttery, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. While the Jupiter Banana switch provides a silky typing experience, the Blueberry switch delivers a more alive and reactive feel. The choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother or a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and polished typing experience, while the Blueberry offers a low-pitched and snappy feel. Both switches have their own strengths and will cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your typing experience. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a high-quality performance from either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-pitched sound with a responsive feel, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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