Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch. The Jupiter Bananas from Gateron are known for their high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making them stand out as tactile switches with enhanced two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are categorized as linear, offering a smooth keystroke with quiet operation. While the Jupiter Banana switch is described as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', the Silent Yellow remains unidentified in specific characteristics. Each switch has unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
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 housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches both share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. Both switches capitalize on these qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing for a consistent sound experience.
While the top housing material is the same for both switches, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gateron Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile. This shared characteristic in bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience across both switches, with a focus on sound quality.
The combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches showcases a thoughtful balance of sound characteristics. While both switches offer a sharp and clear sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing, they each provide a unique typing experience through their choice of nylon bottom housing. The differences in sound produced by the bottom housing materials allow for a diverse range of preferences, with the Gateron Jupiter Banana emphasizing a fuller sound profile and the Outemu Silent Yellow offering a rounder sound. Overall, these switches demonstrate how housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Banana is lighter with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the Silent Yellow is heavier with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Jupiter Banana offers a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, perfect for those who prefer a heavier switch. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Jupiter Banana being lighter and the Silent Yellow being heavier. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to each keystroke. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Jupiter Banana providing a tactile feel and the Silent Yellow offering a smoother linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Yellow 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 stands out for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is absent, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy qualities, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The incorporation of two-stage springs ensures a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, details on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are unavailable, making it challenging to provide a direct contrast between the two switches in this regard.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch appears to excel in both sound and feel aspects with its high-pitched, resonant sound profile and polished, creamy typing experience. While the characteristics of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch remain unknown in the provided details, it is possible to surmise that similar results to the Jupiter Banana switch may be achieved if the Silent Yellow switch also offers similar high-quality construction and design features. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a tactile feel, high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile with a polished, creamy typing experience, then the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, a linear feel, and silence during typing, the Outemu Silent Yellow may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, try to test out both switches if possible to see which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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