Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch for your mechanical keyboard, it is important to consider the distinct characteristics of each. The Gateron Jupiter Bananas are praised for their high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and two-stage springs that provide a strong return and consistent feel. These tactile switches are described as 'polished', 'high-pitched', 'creamy', and 'resonant'. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its satisfying clicky feedback. It falls under a different category with no specific defining characteristics listed. Choosing between these switches will depend on your preference for either a tactile experience with the Gateron Jupiter Bananas or a clicky feedback with the Outemu Blue Jade. 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
65g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue Jade, we can see that they both have unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for enhancing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on these switches a more immersive experience. While both materials have their own characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the sound and feel desired.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jupiter Banana and the Blue Jade feature nylon material. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite having the same housing material for the bottom, the switches may still offer distinct typing experiences due to other factors such as spring weight and stem design.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Blue Jade may have different top housing materials (polycarbonate vs nylon), the effects of these materials on sound profiles can be quite similar. Both polycarbonate and nylon have unique sound characteristics, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and nylon providing a fuller sound. However, the impact of the bottom housing material (nylon) may have a more pronounced effect on the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound will guide your decision between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, we can see that the Jupiter Banana is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, whereas the Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Jupiter Banana offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Blue Jade provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a balance between a comfortable typing experience and tactile feedback. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Jupiter Banana's 3.4 mm. The Blue Jade's 4.0mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, while the Jupiter Banana's 3.4mm is slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana for quicker response times, while those seeking a more robust feel may opt for the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired keypress feel.
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 Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile that can provide an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is currently unavailable. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches can feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch at this time.
Overall, based on the available information, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch seems to excel in both sound and feel aspects, providing a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are not known, if you are looking for a switch with similar characteristics to the Gateron Jupiter Banana, you may achieve comparable results in both sound and feel aspects. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are aiming for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should consider the characteristics of each switch. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a polished or creamy feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Outemu Blue Jade may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactility or audibility in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
