Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Haimu Orange Sea offer two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is recognized for its high-precision molds that provide a polished typing experience, complemented by softer backlight effects and a strong return due to its two-stage spring design. Users who enjoy a clearly defined tactile bump while typing might lean towards the Jupiter Banana, as it enhances the feedback that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea, known for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, caters to those who prioritize a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke experience. This linear switch is ideal for gamers or typists looking for fast, smooth transitions without any tactile resistance. Both switches have their unique advantages, depending on whether you prefer tactile feedback or a smooth linear 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

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.80 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Haimu Orange Sea switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in similar acoustic profiles. The use of polycarbonate allows both switches to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the material's relative stiffness. This stiffer quality correlates with a clearer sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate material enhances the visual aspect of the switches, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through more effectively, creating an appealing aesthetic.

In contrast, both the Jupiter Banana and the Orange Sea employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a fundamentally different sound characteristic. The nylon material, known for its softer properties, absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This creates a nuanced auditory experience when typing, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a rounder sound that balances the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. By combining these two different materials—the stiffer polycarbonate on top and the softer nylon on the bottom—both switches offer a unique blend of sound profiles that complement each other when in use.

When comparing the overall performance, it becomes clear that the Jupiter Banana and the Orange Sea switches share similarities in their sound characteristics due to their common material choices. While both switches will exhibit a sharper sound when the key is released, the more profound and fuller sound experienced when bottoming out will be a result of the nylon housing. This combination allows for a rich typing experience where the different materials work in tandem, leading to a complex sound profile that captures the desirable attributes of both high-pitched clarity and deep resonance. Consequently, users can expect a comparable auditory experience that seamlessly integrates the strengths of both materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch is significantly lighter with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Consequently, while the Jupiter Banana provides a stronger push feel, the Orange Sea allows for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes. If you're looking for a lighter switch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better option, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana will appeal to users who enjoy a heavier feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keystroke, the Jupiter Banana is the better option, as its shorter distance allows for quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for gamers. On the other hand, the Orange Sea, with its longer 3.6 mm travel, may provide a more satisfying and deeper feel for those who prefer a heftier keystroke and enjoy the tactile feedback. Thus, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is the shorter option, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea offers a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant auditory experience. Its sharp and crisp sound profile ensures that each keystroke is not only distinct but also provides an immersive typing experience, making it appealing for users who prefer a cleaner, sharper sound. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch’s sound properties remain undefined in the provided information, leaving the auditory distinction between the two switches unclear.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and silky sensation of each keystroke invite a more enjoyable interaction with the keyboard, often attributed to its high-quality materials and factory lubing. Unfortunately, the feel of the Orange Sea switch has not been described, so a direct comparison on tactile feedback remains unknown, which could impact a user's overall typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out with its defined sound quality and superior smoothness in feel, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch lacks available information regarding its sound and feel. Users seeking sharp auditory feedback and a refined typing sensation will likely gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana. Without specifics on the Orange Sea, it is difficult to predict how it might compare. Thus, if sound and feel are central to your decision, the Jupiter Banana provides clear advantages, whereas the Orange Sea requires further exploration to assess its qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a tactile experience that provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, combined with a heavier bottom-out force of 69 grams, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent choice. Its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy feel, caters well to typists who enjoy both audible feedback and a smooth typing experience. This switch would be ideal for a writing-heavy environment or for those who relish the tactile sensation in their typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lightweight keypress with a smooth, linear feel for gaming or fast typing, the Haimu Orange Sea stands out with its 45 grams of actuation force. This switch’s impeccably smooth experience allows for quick, effortless keystrokes without the additional tactile feedback. In this case, you would likely prefer the Orange Sea for a serene and fluid typing experience, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods or engaged in fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you value tactile response or smoothness more, as each switch offers distinct benefits tailored to different typing styles and activities.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more