Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Sea Glass offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that gives a distinct typing experience of dryness, wispiness, and airiness. While the Jupiter Banana is polished and high-pitched, the Sea Glass is frictionless and easy-to-press. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different typing styles and 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

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that results in a more pleasant, brighter sound profile. While both switches offer clear housings for RGB lighting, the materials used in their top housings lead to distinct auditory experiences for users.

In terms of their bottom housings, the Jupiter Banana opts for a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Sea Glass continues with its unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant and bright. Despite both switches utilizing different materials for their bottom housings, they each contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The differences in material offer users a variety of options based on the type of sound profile they prefer.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Durock Sea Glass showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the Jupiter Banana leans towards a crisper, sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Sea Glass offers a unique blend for both its top and bottom housings resulting in a bright and pleasant sound experience. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches aim to provide users with an excellent typing experience tailored to their sound preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana is heavier in both aspects. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Sea Glass would be the ideal choice due to its lower actuation force. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Banana for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing comfort and experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana switch. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sea Glass may be more appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, with the Jupiter Banana offering a shorter travel distance and the Sea Glass offering a longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is best suited for those who enjoy a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing sharp and crisp sound profiles with an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a distinct dryness and airiness to its typing experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek and buttery sensation while typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, making it exceptionally light to press with minimal resistance and strain on the fingers. Both switches provide a different tactile feedback and actuation force, catering to those who prefer a more polished and effortless typing experience or a light and gentle typing sensation.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing feel, the Sea Glass switch offers a hollow sound profile with a frictionless and easy-to-press typing experience. It is important to consider your own preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure you get the best typing experience for your needs. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a distinct sound and feel in their typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a strong tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, along with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, then the Jupiter Banana may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and weightless typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, characterized by a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, then the Durock Sea Glass switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you prioritize the most.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more