Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is revered for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing users with a strong return and consistent feel due to its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana is known for its polished and high-pitched characteristics, the V3 Piano Pro is characterized by its bouncy and clacky feel. Both switches offer a creamy and resonant experience, but the V3 Piano Pro also adds a silky smoothness to the mix. These general pointers can help guide your decision, 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Jupiter Banana offering a crisper sound and the V3 Piano Pro providing a more mellow tone.
Although both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the impact on sound profile can differ based on the top housing material. When comparing the bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana and V3 Piano Pro, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound due to the nature of nylon as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, giving users the opportunity to customize their sound preferences based on their individual preferences.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct sound profiles, it's important to note that they both provide a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana or the fuller sound of nylon in the V3 Piano Pro, both switches are designed to enhance keypress feedback and overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. The weight of the switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches offer a more substantial push feel. Therefore, individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro, while those seeking a heavier push may opt for the Gateron Jupiter Banana. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback and performance, making them suitable choices depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana. The difference between the two switches is minimal, so in terms of feel and responsiveness, users can expect similar results. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are often favored by gamers for their quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, offering a sharp and snappy sound profile that adds a lively and crisp quality to typing. Both switches present unique auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Banana having a higher-pitched sound while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a mix of bright and percussive tones. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal taste and compatibility with the keyboard setup, including the choice of keycaps and board.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek key travel experience. This switch is characterized by its buttery sensation that makes typing effortless and smooth. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a diverse range of tactile feedback. The bouncy sensation of the V3 Piano Pro provides a spring-like rebound when keys are pressed, while maintaining a silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a more polished and smooth feel or a bouncy and elastic feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each provide distinct sound and feel characteristics that appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Jupiter Banana excels in delivering a high-pitched and resonant sound profile alongside a polished and creamy typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its clacky and resonant sound signature and a combination of bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and actuation force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a high-precision mold and softer backlight effects, along with a polished and creamy typing experience, then the Jupiter Banana switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, along with a bouncy and creamy typing experience, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable for you. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience.
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