Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. The Jupiter Banana offers a polished and creamy feel with softer backlight effects, thanks to its high-precision molds and two-stage springs ensuring a strong return and consistent tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a clacky and sharp typing experience with a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring design. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for better light diffusion. However, the Jupiter Banana differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches have similar top housing materials, the difference in their bottom housing materials has a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate's stiffness leading to a clear and resonant sound on both the Jupiter Banana and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering the full composition of a switch for desired typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring share polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the use of nylon versus polycarbonate for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound depth and richness. The Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper sound quality. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics based on their housing materials, offering different typing experiences to suit individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams of force to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring needs 55 grams to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out. This makes the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring the lighter option overall. The lighter actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience or a faster gaming response. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Jupiter Banana could be favored by users seeking a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. Both switches fall into the medium category, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will provide a deeper key press feeling compared to the Jupiter Banana. For those who prefer a more responsive and shorter travel distance, the Jupiter Banana may be the preferred option. However, if you enjoy a more substantial key press with a longer travel distance, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better choice. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so selecting one will depend on individual preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a more sharp and percussive auditory feedback while typing. Both switches provide different sound profiles, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall sound experience desired in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback, providing a distinct and responsive typing feel with a lively bounce and a two-stage tactile sensation. The choice between these switches would come down to whether a smoother, buttery typing experience or a more intense, tactile keypress is preferred.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp and bouncy tactile feedback. Depending on whether a softer, smoother typing experience or a more intense, tactile keypress is desired, newcomers can explore these options to find the right fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you should consider the key differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. The Jupiter Banana is ideal for those who prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smoother, polished typing experience with high-pitched and resonant sound profiles. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a medium bottom out force and a sharper, clacky sound with a sharp, accented, snappy feel. If you value high precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for increased tactility with a long, two-stage spring and deep thock sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound aesthetics.
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