Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Lotus

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Lotus present two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a polished, creamy, and resonant feel with a satisfying tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate feedback on their keystrokes and desire a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, characterized as a linear switch, is designed for smooth and uninterrupted key presses, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a swift, unhindered action without tactile resistance. Each switch has its own unique advantages—whether you value the tactile sensation and responsive feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the fluid motion of the Lotus, there’s a compelling reason to consider both. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Outemu Lotus Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Lotus, the differences in the top housing are particularly notable. The Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material enhances the crispness and clarity of the sound profile, producing a higher-pitched note upon key presses. The reflective qualities of polycarbonate also make it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through beautifully and illuminate the switch from within. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that leans towards a more subdued auditory experience, which can appeal to users who prefer a less harsh sound while typing.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing. This shared material means that users will experience a similar sound profile stemming from the bottom housing characteristics. Both switches benefit from nylon's sound-absorbing properties, which contribute to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the feel and sound of key presses, users of both the Jupiter Banana and Lotus will find that the bottom housing delivers a consistently rich auditory sensation regardless of the top housing's distinct qualities.

In summary, while the Jupiter Banana and Outemu Lotus offer contrasting sound profiles with their differing top housing materials—crisp and sharp from polycarbonate versus deep and full from nylon—their interchangeable bottom housings ensure a level of consistency in the overall typing experience. Users can expect a soft and rounded keystroke response from both switches, with the unique attributes of the top housing merely coloring the overall sound and feel when keys are released. Therefore, while the two switches offer different aesthetics and sound characteristics, the nylon bottoms create a familiar foundation for both typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a significantly higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Lotus linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a light switch. This means that users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience would gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana, while those looking for a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions would find the Lotus more suited to their needs. Thus, while both switches can offer varying tactile experiences, the Jupiter Banana is the heavier option and the Lotus is the lighter, making them ideal for different user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Jupiter Banana offers a bit more depth in its keypress, which can contribute to a more substantial tactile feedback for users who appreciate a hearty feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter 3.3 mm travel distance, may be preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Given their close travel distances, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana being the longer option for those who enjoy more depth and the Lotus being better suited for those who prioritize rapid key response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant auditory experience. This appealing sound profile is sharp and crisp, making it a great option for typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback without the bassy undertones that some switches may have. The cleaness of the sound enhances the overall typing experience, immersing users in a vibrant audio environment. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks a defined sound profile. This omission makes it difficult to compare directly, but it may suggest a quieter typing experience compared to the resonant characteristics of the Jupiter Banana.

Regarding feel, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy typing experience. The meticulous engineering behind these switches results in a smooth and refined key travel, allowing for effortless finger glides across the keys. The two-stage springs contribute to a strong return, reinforcing the overall comfort and reliability during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, no specific feel characteristics are detailed for the Outemu Lotus linear switch, which leaves its tactile sensation unknown. This means that while the Jupiter Banana offers a luxurious touch due to its design features, the Lotus remains ambiguous in its tactile feedback.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out for its crisp sound and refined feel, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback along with an engaging auditory experience. The Outemu Lotus linear switch, however, does not provide enough information regarding its sound and feel qualities, leaving potential users with a lack of insights into its performance. If you seek a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, the Jupiter Banana would likely be a more satisfying option, while the Lotus may offer a more subdued and unknown experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a pronounced bump alongside a medium-heavy bottom out force of 69 grams, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent option for you. This switch not only offers a polished and creamy feel, allowing for smoother key presses, but its high-pitched and resonant sound creates an engaging auditory experience that can enhance your typing pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Outemu Lotus linear switch might be the better choice. Its straightforward design makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where every keystroke needs to register quickly and without obstruction. Ultimately, consider what feels more comfortable and performs best for your individual style—whether that’s the satisfying tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the speedy linear action of the Lotus.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more