Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the contrast between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Huano Sakura is striking. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is recognized for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a distinctly “polished” feel with a satisfying tactile bump that helps typists know exactly when a key has been actuated. Its enhanced two-stage springs provide not only a reliable return but also a consistent overall experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura shines as a linear switch, characterized by its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, designed specifically for extended typing sessions that demand speed and minimal finger fatigue. Users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback of other switches may gravitate towards the Sakura for its ease of use. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Huano Sakura switches, it’s evident that both switches utilize two distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, influencing their overall auditory and tactile performances. The top housing of the Jupiter Banana is made from polycarbonate, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer properties. This results in a clearer and more resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB-lit keyboards that require translucency for optimal lighting effects. In contrast, the Sakura switch utilizes POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. While POK also contributes to a smooth feel and sound, its acoustic characteristics differ from polycarbonate. POK’s strength allows for a durable switch, promoting a clacky typing experience, which contrasts the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana.
Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which offers a consistent auditory experience. Nylon is a well-established material in the switch-making industry known for its ability to absorb sound, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in the bottom housing means that both the Jupiter Banana and Sakura switches will deliver a rounder and more muted sound when bottoming out. The underlying acoustics generated by the nylon contribute to a cohesive typing experience across both switches, ensuring that any sound roundness is kept uniform despite the differing top housing materials.
The differing top housings contribute significantly to how each switch sounds and feels during use. The polycarbonate top of the Jupiter Banana enhances the higher frequencies and clarity of sound upon release, while the POK top of the Sakura adds to its unique clacky sound texture. Users can expect distinct auditory feedback when pressing keys, influenced heavily by the top housing material. However, since both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, the base of their sound profiles and the feel when bottoming out remains consistent. This shared material influences play, ensuring that while the experiences might vary from a deeper sound from the nylon to the enhanced highs of polycarbonate, they will share a fundamental roundness from the nylon that defines their performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This variance means that users who favor lighter switches, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, would likely prefer the Sakura for its ease of use. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana for its firmer tactile feedback. Overall, the distinct push requirements of these switches cater to different user preferences, with the Jupiter Banana being the heavier option and the Sakura being the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that pressing down on a key with the Jupiter Banana will require less distance compared to the Sakura, making it the shorter of the two options. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may provide a more responsive experience. Conversely, the Sakura’s longer travel distance can offer a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper actuation. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and actuation responsiveness, choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether one values speed or depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50.
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 switches have a distinct auditory profile characterized by high-pitched and resonant tones. This means that when you type on these switches, you'll experience a sharp and crisp sound that can be quite engaging and might enhance your typing experience. They are an excellent choice if you prefer a cleaner and more immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switches are noted for their medium acoustics, but specific details about their sound description are less defined. Thus, while both switches may provide unique auditory experiences, the Jupiter Bananas are likely to stand out with their higher pitch and resonance.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Bananas excel with their polished and creamy characteristics. The polished design results in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience, making keystrokes feel effortless. Combined with the creamy sensation, typing becomes a silky endeavor where fingers glide over the keys smoothly, creating an incredibly refined experience. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Sakura linear switches is less clearly defined, offering potentially lighter touch but lacking detailed descriptions of any unique qualities. Therefore, while the Jupiter Banana offers a specific sensory experience, the Sakura’s feel remains more ambiguous without additional information.
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches and the Huano Sakura linear switches comes down to your sound and feel preferences. The Jupiter Bananas provide a clear advantage in auditory sharpness and tactile refinement, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound and tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboard experience. The Huano Sakura switches, while not completely detailed, may still offer a satisfactory experience, especially for users who favor a feather-light touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches can yield enjoyable typing results, but the Jupiter Bananas distinctly cater to those seeking a more engaging and dynamic sensory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy typing on a switch that offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying sound profile, the Jupiter Banana might be the right choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 69 grams, alongside its creamy and polished feel, ensures that each keystroke feels deliberate and rewarding, making it suitable for users who appreciate a clicky tactile sensation without being overly loud. Conversely, if you prioritize a lighter touch and extended typing comfort, the Huano Sakura linear switch could serve you better. With its 45-gram bottom-out force, you'll experience a smoother key travel that can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, ideal for writers and gamers alike. Therefore, consider your typing style—whether you prefer a tactile feedback with a heavier press or a fluid, effortless action—and let that guide your choice between these two excellent switches.
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