Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced feedback and high-precision molds, providing a satisfying "bump" with each keystroke that many typists prefer for its responsive feel. Enhanced with two-stage springs, the Jupiter Banana also offers a strong return and a subtly creamy, resonant sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight, linear switch that excels in delivering a smooth and seamless keystroke without any tactile bumps. Known for its thocky sound profile, this switch caters to users seeking a quiet and fluid typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or late-night work. Ultimately, your ideal switch depends on whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the silky smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences emerge in their respective top housings. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant. This is primarily due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the overall clarity of the sound produced when a key is released. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing that yields a deeper, more muted sound profile. POM is less rigid than polycarbonate, which results in a sound that lacks the sharpness characteristic of the Jupiter Banana. Consequently, while both switches deliver enjoyable auditory experiences, the Jupiter Banana is likely to resonate with users who prefer a more vibrant sound, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those who appreciate a warmer tone.

The bottom housings of both switches also exhibit interesting contrasts that further define their sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller tone due to its softer nature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a duller, rounder sound characteristic that enhances the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper sound profile but differs from nylon in that it can create a more unique auditory experience. While both materials result in a muted sound, nylon's softness gives a distinctly different tactile response compared to the POM bottom housing—providing a unique distinct touch when typing.

Despite the differences in the material composition of the top and bottom housings, users can expect some similarities in the overall sound experience of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The polycarbonate and nylon combination in the Jupiter Banana creates a blend of clarity and fullness that can complement the sharpness of the top housing. In contrast, the POM combination in the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a cohesive auditory harmony that emphasizes depth. Thus, while the two switches cater to different sound preferences—vibrant versus muted—the impact of the individual housing materials ensures that users will still have an enjoyable experience with both options, underscoring the importance of material choice in creating distinct typing sensations.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences in actuation force can be observed. The Jupiter Banana features a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel during use. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it a better choice for users who favor a lighter touch for long typing sessions, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that while typing on the Jupiter Banana may require more effort, it could offer more satisfying tactile feedback, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie would be easier to press, possibly enhancing typing endurance. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the clear choice, while those who enjoy a heavier push should consider the Jupiter Banana.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a deeper press compared to the Jupiter Banana, which may offer a more traditional tactile experience for some users. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may cater to those who prefer a snappier response, often favored by gamers aiming for quicker key presses. Therefore, the Jupiter Banana is ideal for those seeking more responsiveness, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is better suited for users who enjoy a heartier feel with a longer key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch delivers a high-pitched, resonant experience. This means that every keystroke produces a sharp, crisp note, making it ideal for users who prefer a more elevated auditory profile that stands out without being overly abrasive. The clean and engaging sound can create an immersive typing experience, particularly appealing to those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch does not have a provided sound profile. However, it's crucial to note that the overall sound experience can be influenced by several factors, including the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps, potentially leading to a more muted or subdued tone.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is characterized by several distinct qualities. With a polished finish, it ensures a sleek and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and promotes smooth key travel. Additionally, its creamy feel results in a luxurious typing sensation, where each keystroke feels buttery and effortless, making it a delight to use for extended periods. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch lacks specific tactile or feel descriptors. As a linear switch, it inherently offers a smooth keypress without the tactile bump that defines the Jupiter Banana, which may appeal to users who prefer uninterrupted key travel without the tactile feedback.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out with its high-pitched, resonant sound and polished, creamy feel, offering an engaging and luxurious typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is poised to deliver smoothness and quality, but with less defined auditory and tactile characteristics. Each switch can cater to different user preferences, allowing for a personalized typing experience that aligns with one's needs, whether in sound or feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience with a pronounced bump that provides clear actuation, then the Jupiter Banana is your best bet. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 69 grams lends itself well to typists who prefer a more deliberate keystroke, and its high-pitched, resonant sound profile can add an enjoyable auditory element to your typing. Moreover, if you appreciate polished and creamy tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana will offer a smoother and refined finish that enhances your overall experience. Conversely, if you seek a quieter, smoother, and more uninterrupted typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go. Despite the unknown bottom-out force, its reputation for exceptional smoothness and a thocky sound profile makes it ideal for those who type rapidly or prefer a less tactile feel. In summary, choose the Jupiter Banana for a more engaging tactile experience and the Sea Salt Smoothie for a smoother, less intrusive option.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more