Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Jupiter Banana is renowned for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that provide a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear also boasts a silky smooth type feel, making typing a seamless experience. While the Jupiter Banana is described as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Semi-Silent Linear is categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$2.80 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for showcasing RGB lighting. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housings. The Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deeper and fuller sound but with a duller and rounder quality.

Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct characteristics when it comes to their bottom housings. While both switches provide a deep and full sound due to their nylon bottom housings, the Jupiter Banana's sound profile may be slightly different from the Semi-Silent Linear's due to the individual characteristics of each material. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is notable, with the nylon material offering a unique tactile experience that differs between the two switches.

In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similarities with their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings provide distinct tactile experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller one, understanding the properties of different housing materials can help you choose a switch that meets your typing preferences.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we see that the Jupiter Banana has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Jupiter Banana has a heavier bottom out force of 69 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's bottom out force of 62 grams, making the Semi-Silent Linear the lighter option overall. The actuation force of the Jupiter Banana allows for a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a medium force. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana offering a more substantial push feel while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing force and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch for their typing needs.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear has a longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The difference may not be significant, but it could affect the feel and response of the switch when typing. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and actuation feeling, so you can expect similar typing experiences from either one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, resulting in a sharp and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Jupiter Banana will provide a more pronounced and vibrant sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear will offer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, with the bottom-out sound being clacky but whisper-quiet on top-out.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that feels like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, and buttery, providing a gentle typing experience with super responsive feedback and a fluid keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Jupiter Banana may lean towards a more luxurious feel with its buttery and creamy descriptors, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more balanced and approachable typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and typing feels. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-pitched sound and polished, creamy feel, providing a more vibrant and luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a quieter and more neutral sound, with a mild, snappy, and buttery typing feel that is approachable to a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options delivering high-quality performance and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. The Jupiter Banana offers a unique experience with its two-stage springs and softer backlight effects. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, semi-silent linear feel, the Semi-Silent Linear could be more suitable. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, making it a great option for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer distinct advantages for different typing styles.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more