Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Akko Rosewood stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its polished feel and resonant sound, enhanced by a two-stage spring that provides a strong return and consistent typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing, creating a satisfying sensation with every keystroke, along with softer backlight effects that add to its aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, a linear switch, offers a different typing experience with its deep, thocky sound produced right out of the box, thanks to a factory-applied lubricant. These switches provide a smooth, uninterrupted keypress, making them perfect for users who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, free from tactile bumps. While both switches offer compelling advantages for different preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Akko Rosewood, a notable distinction arises from the choice of the top materials used. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the contrary, the Akko Rosewood uses nylon as its top housing material. Nylon, being softer, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as it tends to absorb sound rather than amplifying it. This fundamental difference in materials significantly affects the auditory experience one can expect when typing on each switch, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards clarity and brightness, while the Rosewood offers a more muted tone.

The lower housings of both switches, however, share a common material—nylon. This aspect creates a level of uniformity between the two switches. As both switches sport a nylon bottom housing, they will evoke a comparable sound profile at the bottom-out, producing that signature deeper, fuller sound. With nylon's properties in play, users can expect a similar auditory experience in the lower registers for both switches, making their tactile feedback more aligned in terms of bottom-out sensations. This similarity mitigates the contrasting effects that may arise from their differing top housing materials, allowing users to enjoy a unified experience when it comes to the fundamental feel and sound during key presses.

Overall, while the Jupiter Banana and the Akko Rosewood diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—resulting in dissimilar sound profiles during key release, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sonic experience at the moment of bottoming out. This interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon means that users will notice the brighter and sharper tones when releasing the keys on the Jupiter Banana, while encountering a rounder sound on the Rosewood. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing guarantees that both switches maintain a deep, full sound quality as the keys are pressed down, combining unique auditory experiences that cater to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences in their weight and force measurements emerge. The Jupiter Banana features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the Rosewood, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier feel of the Jupiter Banana preferable. Thus, if typing endurance and comfort are priorities, the Akko Rosewood offers a gentler touch, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana provides a firmer resistance for those who appreciate tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Rosewood boasts a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. The difference in travel distance reflects varying preferences among users; the shorter Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers looking for rapid response times, allowing for quicker presses and potentially enhancing gameplay. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Rosewood can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, offering a sense of depth that some users may prefer for typing or leisurely gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your individual preference for responsiveness versus tactile depth, as both switches deliver unique experiences based on their travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant auditory experience. Users can expect a sharp and crisp sound when typing, which can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate a more elevated tone rather than a deeper or bass-heavy profile. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a deep, thocky sound straight out of the box, offering a rich acoustic experience that appeals to fans of lower frequencies. Although both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the Jupiter Banana’s higher pitch might be preferable for those looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Rosewood would cater to users who prefer a more thudding resonance, making them distinctly different in this regard.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana excels with a polished and creamy tactile experience that results from its high-quality materials and factory lubing. This leads to a smooth and refined typing sensation, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide under your fingers. The texture promotes reduced friction and contributes to a more enjoyable typing experience overall. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood linear switch is currently unknown, but it is reasonable to anticipate that it may provide a smooth linear movement characteristic of linear switches. If the Rosewood switch is smooth, that sensation could complement the polished feel of the Jupiter Banana, but they will ultimately serve different preferences for tactile response and feedback.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Akko Rosewood switches offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences overall. The Jupiter Banana features a high-pitched, resonant sound and a polished and creamy feel that enhances typing pleasure, while the Rosewood is defined by its deep thocky sound, with its tactile quality still unspecified. This variety allows users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience based on their personal preferences, ensuring that there’s a switch suited to individual taste whether you prefer brighter sounds and tactile sensations or deeper acoustic effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile experience with a unique auditory flair, the Jupiter Banana might be your best choice. Its 69-gram bottom-out force and polished, creamy feel offer a confident typing experience that's ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a resonant, high-pitched sound profile. This switch is well-suited for typists who prefer the satisfaction of a noticeable bump and a crisp auditory response when typing, making it a good fit for both gaming and heavy typing tasks. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a deep, satisfying thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch would likely serve you better. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, this switch allows for swift keystrokes with less effort, making it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. However, it's important to note the Rosewood's straightforward linear feel, which may lack the tactile feedback some users enjoy. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile resistance and sound signature in your typing experience or opt for a smoother, quieter keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more