Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences for users. The Jupiter Banana 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, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Gold switch may lack unique selling points, some users prefer its clicky sound and satisfying feedback. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Gold, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana uses nylon while the Gold also utilizes nylon. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound upon typing, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience of both switches.
Despite the difference in bottom housing material, the overall sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Gold will still maintain similar characteristics due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This suggests that while the typing experience may vary slightly between the two switches, the qualities brought by the top housing material will largely influence the sound produced when typing on these switches. Ultimately, whether one prefers the stiffer polycarbonate or the softer nylon for the bottom housing will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch differ in terms of weight. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams compared to the Gold switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, while the Gold switch offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, resulting in similar results in terms of pressing all the way down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold provides a slightly deeper press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Gold 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 is known for its high-pitched and resonant qualities, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile that can provide an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare with the Jupiter Banana. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself, but also by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience. These switches are designed to provide a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. Typing on creamy switches feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys with each keystroke. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unknown, making it challenging to contrast with the Jupiter Banana in terms of tactile feel.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch remain unknown, it is likely that choosing this switch will result in different sound and feel characteristics compared to the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the bottom out force, sound, and feel preferences that best suit your typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound with a polished, creamy feel, then the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and have no specific sound or feel preferences, the Gold switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
