Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct experiences to users. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it a popular choice for those who value a strong return and consistent feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch with a less defined profile, but it offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing habits. 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
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
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 Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, despite the similarities in their top housings, the two switches differ in their bottom housings. The Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of housing materials, both the Jupiter Banana and the Silent Ocean share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings. The crisp sound profile and aesthetic appeal of clear polycarbonate make it an excellent choice for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the switches differ with their use of nylon. While nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile, they also absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharpness of polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Silent Ocean contributes to their unique sound profiles and overall typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housings for sharpness and clarity, along with nylon bottom housings for depth and absorption, creates a balanced typing feel. While the switches may share similar characteristics in their top housings, the variation in their bottom housings allows users to experience different sound qualities when pressing down and letting go of keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana is the heavier option. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Jupiter Banana requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Silent Ocean. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding weight and typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter actuation for longer typing sessions or a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both options cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ocean has a longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer depth. Both switches offer different tactile feels and actuation forces, but the travel distance is a key factor in determining the overall typing experience.Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, creating a sharp and crisp sound that can provide an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific description of its sound profile provided. Both switches can offer a different typing experience based on the sound produced, with the Jupiter Banana providing a potentially higher-pitched and cleaner sound compared to the Silent Ocean.
Moving on 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 silky key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean does not have a specific description of its feel provided. While the Jupiter Banana provides a luxurious and buttery typing sensation, the Silent Ocean's tactile feel is unknown, making it harder to directly compare the two switches in terms of typing comfort.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out for its high-precision molds, two-stage springs for strong return, polished and creamy feel, and high-pitched and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific information regarding its feel and sound, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it is clear that the Jupiter Banana offers a unique and refined typing experience that may not be directly replicated by the Silent Ocean. When choosing between the two switches, it is important to consider your preference for sound and feel to ensure the best typing experience for your individual needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities that each switch possesses. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a similar bottom out force but are looking for a linear switch that offers a different typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean might be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the features and characteristics offered by the Jupiter Banana or the Silent Ocean.
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