Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana by Gateron is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. With two-stage springs, it ensures a strong return and consistent feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze by Outemu is a clicky switch that offers a different typing feel, although not much information is available about its specific features. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze both use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches using the same material for the bottom housing, there may be slight variations in the sound and feel due to differences in design and manufacturing processes.
In terms of the top housings, the Gateron Jupiter Banana uses polycarbonate while the Outemu Spring Breeze uses nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The Spring Breeze's nylon top housing, on the other hand, adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer properties help absorb sound and create a more subdued tone.
While the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound and feel when typing, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. The differences in material between the Gateron Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing and the Outemu Spring Breeze's nylon top housing result in distinct sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Jupiter Banana creates a crisper sound, while the softer nylon of the Spring Breeze provides a fuller sound. These variations in housing materials ultimately influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams of force to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Spring Breeze only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, which classifies it as medium-light. The lighter actuation force of the Spring Breeze may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience or need to type for long periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Banana may be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see that the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.6 mm may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and performance.
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 Spring Breeze 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
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for producing a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so it is difficult to compare in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch.
Overall, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and a polished, creamy feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you are looking for information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it would be best to try them out personally or seek out more detailed reviews to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are not concerned with sound and feel specifics, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch.