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Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch, known for its high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and two-stage springs that offer a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is a linear switch with a feather-light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists. It provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a gliding feel and delightful poppy sound. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Sakura Pink is known for being buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, frictionless, and muted. Each switch offers unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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

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

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and Everglide Sakura Pink both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Jupiter Banana boasts a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink.

While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. These differences in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Everglide Sakura Pink offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences due to their housing materials. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper sound. The blend of different housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the qualities of the top and bottom housings playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink is the lighter option with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jupiter Banana is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. The difference in weight between the two switches impacts the typing experience significantly. The lighter actuation force of the Sakura Pink makes it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for tasks that require prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for weight and typing feel. If both switches had the same actuation and bottom out force, users would experience similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana offers a quicker response time, which can be favored by gamers looking for speed and accuracy in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink provides a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences whether it be for rapid typing or a more tactile typing experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.

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 Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offers a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound from their keyboard. While the Jupiter Banana may offer a more vibrant and lively sound, the Sakura Pink provides a more understated and gentle typing experience.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Jupiter Banana and Sakura Pink switches share similarities in their descriptions. Both switches are described as offering a creamy and buttery typing experience, characterized by smooth and seamless keystrokes that glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, both switches are noted for their easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Sakura Pink switch also boasts a frictionless operation, further enhancing the smooth and effortless typing sensation it provides.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ in their sound profiles, they offer similar qualities in terms of feel. Typists who appreciate a high-pitched and resonant sound may prefer the Jupiter Banana, while those who prefer a muted and softer sound may gravitate towards the Sakura Pink. However, regardless of sound preference, both switches provide a creamy, buttery typing experience that is smooth, effortless, and comfortable, making them both excellent choices for a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a polished and creamy typing experience with a higher bottom out force, opt for the Jupiter Banana. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery and easy-to-press switch with a lighter actuation force, the Sakura Pink is the way to go. Additionally, if you prefer a muted sound profile compared to the higher-pitched and resonant sound of the Jupiter Banana, the Sakura Pink would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.

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