Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch with the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a tactile feel with a strong return and consistent feedback. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. The Jupiter Banana is categorized as [polished, high-pitched, creamy, resonant], while the Polaris Gray is categorized as [low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, polished]. Each switch has its strengths, with the Jupiter Banana offering precise feedback and the Polaris Gray providing a satisfyingly bouncy feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, they may still differ in terms of design and aesthetics.
In contrast, the Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the sharp, higher-pitched sound profile of the top housing. The combination of these different housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
While the housing materials differ between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both switches showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings. The crisp and clear sound profile achieved with polycarbonate enhances the overall typing experience, whether it be for gaming or typing tasks. The choice of housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, can greatly impact the sound and feel of the switch, allowing users to customize their keyboard to suit their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality build and unique sound profiles, providing users with versatile options for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana is lighter in terms of actuation force at 59 grams compared to the Polaris Gray, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy in that aspect. The actuation force of the Jupiter Banana provides a slightly lighter touch for typing, while the Polaris Gray offers a comparable bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Jupiter Banana, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Polaris Gray.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Gray has a longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The Polaris Gray's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range of switch travel distances, while the Jupiter Banana's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter. For those looking for a more responsive feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so ultimately the choice will depend on individual preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
The Jupiter Banana switch from Gateron is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch is characterized by a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Jupiter Banana switch leans towards a brighter and sharper sound, whereas the Polaris Gray switch offers a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profile, whether one prefers a higher or lower pitch, and the typing environment.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is considered mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a safe, middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and sleek typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana switch emphasizing a buttery sensation akin to gliding across the keys, while the Polaris Gray switch focuses on a gentle and refined feel. Depending on whether a user prefers a more pronounced or milder tactile feel, the choice between the two switches would be based on personal preference.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Jupiter Banana switch excels in producing a sharp and polished sound with a creamy typing experience, while the Polaris Gray switch provides a clean and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose depends on individual preferences for sound pitch, tactile feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer distinctive qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on the user's preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Polaris Gray could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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