Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cream Blue offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana by Gateron is a tactile switch renowned for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. With two-stage springs, this switch provides a strong return and consistent feel, appealing to users looking for a polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that doesn't have any standout features noted. This switch remains categorized as a blank slate, offering users the opportunity to experience it without any preconceived notions. 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cream Blue switches offer different acoustic profiles due to the materials used. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Cream Blue's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a unique aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which also contribute to the sound profile of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile overall. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the Jupiter Banana and the Cream Blue switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more significant, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cream Blue switches have different top housing materials, their similar nylon bottom housings provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue produces a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Blue only needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This means that the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. On the other hand, the Cream Blue offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where lighter actuation force is more desirable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cream Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. Typically, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered traditional, while 3.0mm is on the shallower end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Jupiter Banana a favorable choice in that aspect. However, those who prefer a deeper key press might opt for the Cream Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keyboard feel and responsiveness.
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 Cream 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for producing a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, resulting in a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Jupiter Banana switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides effortless key travel. The Cream Blue switch, however, does not have any specific descriptors for its tactile feel. Again, the feel of a switch is crucial in determining the overall typing experience and can be affected by factors such as factory lubrication and materials used.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a polished and creamy typing feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer clicky switches with a different sound profile or tactile feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch may offer similar results. It is important to consider all available information and personal preferences when choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy high-precision molds with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana may suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind a clicky switch without specific sound and feel preferences outlined, then the Cream Blue could be a suitable option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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