Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to keyboard switches, choosing the right type can significantly enhance your typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out with its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a satisfying and responsive typing experience due to its two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent feel. Its tactile feedback makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a noticeable bump with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists and gamers alike who thrive on precision. In contrast, the HMX Perky presents a linear switch experience characterized by its softer, glittery nylon housings, which provide a neutral and deeply satisfying typing feel. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky switches cater to users seeking a smooth and effortless keystroke, perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions with minimal resistance. Both switches have their unique appeals, with the Jupiter Banana promoting a tactile response and the Perky offering a silky, unimpeded experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Perky, two distinct characteristics emerge that highlight their differences. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Perky employs nylon for its top housing. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a crisper auditory experience. This material's translucency further enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for vibrant illumination. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Perky generates a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This quality absorbs sound better, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that appeals to users seeking a more muted and mellow acoustics.
The bottom housings of both switches, on the other hand, are identical in material, with both utilizing nylon. This similarity means that the typing experience and sound profile produced by the bottom housings will be quite comparable between the two switches. The nylon construction leads to a significant absorption of sound, which enriches the overall typing experience and creates that sought-after, deeper tone. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent when pressing either switch, due to the nylon material's shared characteristics in both the Jupiter Banana and the Perky.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Jupiter Banana and the HMX Perky create distinct sound profiles, while their identical nylon bottom housings unify their bottom-out sensations. With the Jupiter Banana's sharp, high-pitched tones complemented by the deeper, rounder sounds of the Perky, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferred soundscape. However, the similarity in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of which top housing is chosen, the core typing experience will remain stable and enticing. This nuanced combination of materials enables keyboard enthusiasts to select switches that cater to their personal preferences while also achieving a consistent tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Perky switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This substantial difference in weight makes the Perky more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, which can help reduce fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the heavier Jupiter Banana may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and feel during use. As a result, while the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches are not the same, the difference in their weights caters to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch, as the physical distance traveled is identical. Consequently, whether using the Jupiter Banana or the Perky, individuals looking for consistent feel and performance in their keystrokes will achieve similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
The Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 produces a high-pitched and resonant tone, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. For those who prefer a cleaner and more immersive sound profile, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished resonance. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, which is bright and snappy, providing a distinct percussive quality that can be quite engaging. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Jupiter Banana leans towards a higher-pitched brightness, while the Perky provides a more pronounced, clacky punch, ultimately making sound preference subjective to the user’s taste and setup.
When it comes to feel, both switches share polished characteristics intended to offer smooth and refined typing experiences. The Jupiter Banana features a creamy texture, allowing for a silky glide across the keys, often enhanced by factory lubrication. This results in less friction and a smooth key travel that feels effortless. In contrast, the HMX Perky adds a silky touch to its polished feel, also promoting an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Although they differ slightly in description—with the Jupiter Banana being creamy and the Perky being silky—both aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable typing interaction, ensuring that typists can experience a high level of comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present unique qualities that cater to different preferences among users. The Jupiter Banana’s high-pitched sound and creamy feel offer a distinctive typing experience, while the Perky’s clacky sound and silky texture promote a bright and engaging interaction. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a polished and smooth experience from both, with sound and feel being paramount in the overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, whether you favor high pitch and tactile feedback or a clacky sound with a silky smoothness, each switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on your personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the type of tasks you plan to perform. If you enjoy a more substantial actuation force and prefer tactile feedback with a distinct auditory experience, the Jupiter Banana is your go-to switch. Its medium-heavy feel (69 grams bottom-out force) and resonant, high-pitched sound can enhance both typing and gaming, making it ideal for those who appreciate intentional keystrokes and a more robust feedback. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter, smoother typing style with shorter travel distances, the Perky switch, with its 50 grams bottom-out force, offers a delightful linear experience that’s both silky and polished. Its clacky sound profile provides a satisfying aural feedback that can keep your typing lively and engaging. Ultimately, choose the Jupiter Banana for a tactile and immersive experience, and the HMX Perky if you desire a lighter, fluid, and highly satisfying typing journey. Both switches have their unique advantages, so consider your priorities to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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