Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Jupiter Banana, with its tactile feedback and unique characteristics such as polished surfaces, high-pitched tones, and creamy resonance, is ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing rhythm and appreciate a notable tactile bump. The enhanced two-stage springs ensure a satisfying return with each keystroke, making it a great choice for gamers and typists alike who value precision and responsiveness. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a radically different approach with its linear switch design, providing an ultra-light 43g bottom out force that creates a nearly silent typing experience. Perfectly suited for those who prioritize a serene environment, this switch is ideal for late-night work sessions or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. While both switches serve distinct purposes—one catering to tactile enthusiasts and the other to noise-sensitive typists—there's much more to explore. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g incorporate different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Jupiter Banana employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This crispness is especially notable when the switch is released, making it vibrant and resonant. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features nylon for its top housing, leading to a softer and deeper sound profile. The tactile experience with the Silent Sakura is thus characterized by a rounder, fuller sound, altering the overall typing experience significantly from the sharper sound produced by the Jupiter Banana.
Examining the bottom housing, there is a reversal of materials between the two switches. The Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, creating a deeper acoustic profile, while the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing accentuates a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This stark contrast builds upon the overall acoustic signature of each switch, with the Jupiter Banana providing a blend of a resonant top sound complemented by a softer bottom, whereas the Silent Sakura offers the reverse effect - a pronounced bottom sound underlined by a muted top resonance. Thus, this division of material characteristics further shapes the user experience, with each switch's unique combination yielding diverse audio feedback and keystroke feelings.
Though the results may differ based on the specific materials used in their housing, users can still achieve enjoyment from both, experiencing different auditory qualities that cater to personal preferences. Those who appreciate a more vibrant and lively sound may gravitate towards the Gateron Jupiter Banana, while users who prefer a muted and fuller auditory experience might find the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g more to their liking. Ultimately, the selections of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches exemplify how housing materials can define the acoustic characteristics and typing sensations, allowing enthusiasts to choose switches that best meet their stylings and requirements for a custom keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, clear differences emerge in terms of weight. The Jupiter Banana features a substantially heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a significantly lighter tactile experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, the Silent Sakura may provide a more comfortable experience due to its lighter forces, while the Jupiter Banana caters to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Overall, if you're seeking a lightweight switch, the Silent Sakura is the clear choice, while the Jupiter Banana appeals to users who appreciate a firmer push sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the two clearly diverge in their specifications. The Jupiter Banana has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura extends to a longer 4 mm. This difference means that the Jupiter Banana offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker response times, appealing particularly to gamers who favor a more rapid actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura may better suit those who prefer a more substantial key press that offers a deeper feel, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you seek responsiveness, the shorter Jupiter Banana is ideal, while if you value a deeper tactile experience, the Silent Sakura is the preferable option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50.
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
When comparing the sounds of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the Jupiter Banana stands out with a distinct high-pitched and resonant sound profile. Its sharp and crisp auditory feedback creates an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate more incisive auditory cues. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to be whisper-quiet, producing a soft sound akin to gentle raindrops. This switch is perfect for individuals who prefer a tranquil typing environment without the distraction of louder key clicks, allowing for a more subdued experience.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience due to its high-quality construction and two-stage spring mechanism. This results in a smooth keystroke with reduced friction and a buttery texture that feels luxurious under the fingers. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on a lightweight typing feel with its 43g bottom-out force, making it suitable for light typists. While the precise tactile feedback of the Silent Sakura isn’t detailed, its emphasis on quiet operation likely caters to those seeking a gentle touch.
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g ultimately depends on the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a sharper sound and a polished, creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana will suit you well. However, if you prioritize a quiet environment with a light touch, the Silent Sakura will deliver that serene typing experience. Both switches target different user preferences, so your choice should reflect your personal typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent choice. Its polished and creamy feel, accompanied by a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, makes it ideal for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience and can handle a bit more auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more serene typing environment, especially suitable for office settings or late-night work, the Silent Sakura - 43g will be more to your liking. The ultra-light 43g bottom out force is ideal for light typists, allowing for faster typing without the strain that comes with heavier switches. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value a tactile, expressive experience with each keystroke, or a softer, quieter feel that allows you to type seamlessly in tranquility.
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