Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) are two exceptional options to explore. The Jupiter Banana by Gateron is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. This tactile switch is described as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offers maximum tactility, featuring a sharp tactility and clean clack that is sure to please tactile switch enthusiasts. Categorized as resonant, neutral, sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, this switch delivers a punchy feel with each keystroke. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both offer unique housing materials for switches that create distinct sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) also uses POM for its bottom housing, creating a similar deep and muted sound profile.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of both switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a more resonant and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) complements the overall sound profile with its muted and deep tones.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) will come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Jupiter Banana emphasizing a crisper and sharper sound while the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a deeper and more muted sound experience. Whether you prioritize clarity or depth in your typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Jupiter Banana has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the POM T1's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Jupiter Banana requiring 69 grams and the POM T1 needing 67 grams. The Jupiter Banana provides a slightly lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer typing for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the POM T1 offers a slightly heavier push feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing feel is desired.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it shorter than the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Gateron Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Durock POM T1's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their varying travel distances, giving users the option to choose based on their own personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches are resonant, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp auditory experience. This means that whether you choose one over the other, you can expect a similar sound profile that is satisfying to the ears. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced will also depend on factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating tactile feedback, creating a pronounced and responsive typing sensation without being overwhelming. While both switches offer different tactile experiences, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
In conclusion, if you prefer a smoother, creamier typing experience with reduced friction, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a punchier, more pronounced tactile feedback with a responsive and invigorating feel, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for newcomers venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 69 grams and enjoy a polished, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with similar bottom out force but prefer a sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating tactile feel with a resonant and neutral sound profile, then the POM T1 (Sunflower) could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and desired tactility. So, consider these factors carefully before making your final choice.
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