Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing experience, and two popular options are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its high-precision molds, delivering a creamy and resonant typing experience complemented by a softer backlight effect. Its two-stage spring design enhances the return force, providing consistent feedback that many typists crave. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a classic clicky switch renowned for its audible click sound, appealing to users who enjoy an auditory feedback in addition to tactile bump during their keystrokes. While the Jupiter Banana prioritizes a smoother tactile feel, the Outemu Blue emphasizes the satisfying click that many gamers and typists find invigorating. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue, it's evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, a shared characteristic of both switches. This material is notable for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate facilitates excellent RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing in illuminated setups. Therefore, users can expect a similar auditory experience, with a sharp and vibrant sound signature emerging from both switches due to their identical top housing composition.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing introduces a contrasting auditory experience to the Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue. Both switches feature nylon, a material known for its softer composition compared to polycarbonate. This softness absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, when typing on either of these switches, users will notice a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound, which contrasts significantly with the sharper sound emanating from the top housing. This harmonious interaction between the materials ensures that while the high-pitched qualities of the switch are consistent, the deeper resonance provided by the nylon offers a comprehensive, fulfilling typing experience.
Ultimately, the duality of these materials creates a distinctive acoustic profile that differentiates the typing experience offered by the Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing for both switches means that while the top-end sound is similar, the fullness and depth provided by the nylon feature prominently during key presses and releases. This division of auditory qualities based on housing material allows for a nuanced typing experience: users can rely on the crisper sound from the top housing and appreciate the fuller notes imparted by the nylon bottom, resulting in an engaging and multifaceted user experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation forces. The Jupiter Banana features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, though its bottom out force is not specified. This means that while the Blue offers a lighter touch, which could benefit those typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions, the lack of bottom out force data prevents a complete comparison. As it stands, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is the heavier option, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out, while the Outemu Blue is lighter and might be appealing for users who prefer a gentler keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there is a distinct difference to note. The Gateron Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Blue offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times and a more responsive feel, the Jupiter Banana would be the better choice. Conversely, if you lean towards a switch that provides a more pronounced depth and a traditional typing experience, the Outemu Blue with its longer 4 mm travel distance would suit you better. Thus, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and response, with the Jupiter Banana being the shorter option and the Outemu Blue being the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant auditory profile, characterized by a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This type of sound is ideal for users who prefer a cleaner, more immersive auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided; however, it's known to produce a distinct audible click upon activation. The difference in sound character may appeal to different preferences, yet both types can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, depending on your choice of keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Jupiter Banana switch is remarkably polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This refinement can be attributed to the high-quality materials used and enhanced due to factory lubing, resulting in minimal friction and effortless key travel. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Blue isn't explicitly described, leaving room for interpretation based on personal experiences. However, users of clicky switches typically enjoy tactile feedback that might not match the buttery smoothness found in the Jupiter Banana.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched, resonant sound combined with a polished and creamy feel, making it an appealing choice for those who value auditory clarity and smooth typing experiences. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch, while lacking detailed descriptors, tends to provide a satisfying clicky feedback. Overall, if you lean towards a specific sound profile and feel, your choice between these switches will cater to distinct typing preferences, yet both can achieve rewarding results in the right context.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile feel with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent option. Its high-pitched and resonant sound profile offers a distinct auditory feedback that many typers find satisfying, making it great for users who appreciate a responsive and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more traditional clicky feel that provides loud and tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue may be the better choice for you. Although there is limited information available regarding its specifications, if you enjoy hearing an audible click with each keystroke for enhanced tactile sensation, you would likely appreciate the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, consider your typing habits: if you often type for extended periods and prefer smoother key travel with a distinct sound, you might lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Banana. However, if you enjoy the stimulating feedback of audible clicks, the Outemu Blue can energize your typing experience.
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