Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch, known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. With two-stage springs, this switch provides a strong return and consistent feel, making it ideal for typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch, offering smooth keystrokes and a silent typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana boasts characteristics such as being polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have any specific standout features mentioned. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer similar results due to their shared top housing material.
On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. Similarly, the Dustproof Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, creating a unique typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the unique qualities of their nylon bottom housings differentiate their sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Dustproof Silent Ocean the lighter option. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Jupiter Banana at 69 grams and the Dustproof Silent Ocean at 65 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Banana for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for faster response times, particularly among gamers. The difference between the two distances may not be noticeable to all users, but those looking for a slightly quicker key press might prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more pronounced key press, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and overall 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any information available regarding its sound profile. The choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on the user's preference for sound, keeping in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy tactile experience, offering a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch. If both switches perform as intended, users can expect a similar level of typing comfort and smoothness in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out for its distinct sound profile and refined feel with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have specific information available regarding sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and any additional features offered by each switch. It's essential for newcomers to consider all available information and potentially try out different switches to determine which one best suits their typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a strong return and consistent feel with a high-pitched sound and polished, smooth key travel, the Jupiter Banana may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a silent operation, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.