Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Quinn 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 Gateron Quinn stand out as excellent options, both offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is renowned for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, adding character to each keystroke. While the Jupiter Banana is described as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Quinn is known for being snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant. Both switches have their own appealing qualities, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Quinn both have different housing materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Quinn has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top housing materials.
While the top housing materials of the Jupiter Banana and Quinn differ, they both have nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Despite having different top housings, the similarities in the bottom housing material for these switches will result in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Quinn can significantly influence the sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Quinn creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound profile with its ability to absorb sound. Understanding the unique qualities of each housing material can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel when selecting a switch.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have very similar actuation forces, both requiring 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana is slightly heavier at 69 grams compared to the Quinn's 67 grams. This means that the Jupiter Banana provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Choosing between the two switches really depends on personal preference – those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Quinn, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel that balances between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance between these two switches, it can be noted that they both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results with either switch when it comes to the feel and feedback while typing. The consistent travel distance of both switches ensures a uniform typing experience for users, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound, creating a deep and rich sound profile with a crisp and percussive tone. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Jupiter Banana offering a higher-pitched and cleaner sound, while the Quinn provides a deeper and more resonant audio experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, featuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing feel. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy sensation, providing a responsive and lively typing experience with a medium tactile feedback. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through different tactile and smooth qualities, catering to users with varying preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Quinn tactile switches offer distinct characteristics in sound and feel, providing users with options for a customized typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a higher-pitched and cleaner sound with polished and creamy key feel (Jupiter Banana) or a deeper, more resonant sound with a snappy and bouncy typing feel (Quinn), you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the tactile and auditory aspects of typing, offering a unique and immersive typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a combination of crisp tactility, deep sound resonance, and a rich typing experience with features like a bassy, clacky, and resonant sound profile, along with qualities like snappy and bouncy feedback, then the Quinn switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and overall typing experience you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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