Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a consistent and strong return with a creamy and resonant feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is a linear switch praised for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Jupiter Banana offers a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Salt Ice provides users with an energetic and responsive feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the Jupiter Banana stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Jupiter Banana.
While both the Jupiter Banana and the Salt Ice utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing to create a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when bottoming out a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This difference in materials highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Jerrzi Salt Ice play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing sets it apart with a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding how these materials impact the sound profile and feel of a switch can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 69 grams of force to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Salt Ice only needs 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, with the bottom out force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Salt Ice may result in a more responsive typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. Meanwhile, the heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who want a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches offering a lighter typing experience for longer use and heavier switches providing a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance can result in a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a certain amount of key travel. Additionally, the identical travel distance of these switches may make it easier for users to switch between keyboards equipped with either switch without noticing a significant difference in feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Jupiter Banana or the Salt Ice, you can expect to encounter the same travel distance and similar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 its high-pitched and resonant qualities, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can create an immersive auditory experience for users who prefer a cleaner and sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's sound profile is not specified, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The application of lubricant in the factory contributes to a silky sensation when typing on these switches, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. As for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the feel is not specified, but we can assume that it offers a light touch based on its bright and clacky characteristics, potentially providing users with a responsive and energetic typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch excels in producing a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics and potentially light touch. Depending on user preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is seeking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, high-precision molds, and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light touch, exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences. Choose the switch that best fits your needs and enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
