Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a linear switch. The Jupiter Banana is designed for those who appreciate a tactile feedback, offering a creamy and resonant typing experience marked by its polished feel and soft backlight effects. With its enhanced two-stage springs, this switch provides a strong return and consistent feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g caters to users who favor a quieter, smoother typing experience. With its meticulously engineered design, it offers a gentle and satisfying feel with every keystroke, making it perfect for those who prioritize silence while typing, such as in shared spaces or during late-night sessions. 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

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Jupiter Banana employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This plastic's translucency not only enhances the acoustic qualities but also makes it particularly appealing for RGB lighting applications. The bottom housing, conversely, is made from nylon, which lends a deeper, rounder sound that absorbs more vibrations. This combination results in a switch that offers a clear and resonant sound upon release, while delivering a more muted and full sound upon bottoming out.

In comparison, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a nylon top housing, which contributes to a generally softer and less resonant sound character, resulting in a typing experience that leans toward a duller yet full-bodied sound. The use of nylon here allows for a sound-absorbing quality that softens the auditory experience, particularly effective for keystrokes in quieter environments. However, the bottom housing of the Silent Sakura switches to polycarbonate brings back the sharper sound profile often associated with stiffer plastics. This polycarbonate bottom housing ensures that the bottom-out sound of the keypress maintains a cleaner, more defined tonality, contrasting the effective damping provided by the nylon top.

The distinction in materials used at the top and bottom housings for each switch ultimately leads to a unique blend of characteristics. For both switches, you will experience differing sound profiles based on the particular housing arrangement; the polycarbonate top of the Jupiter Banana may create clearer acoustics during release while the nylon bottom delivers fullness, while the Silent Sakura's arrangement provides a softer tactile feel. The nuanced interplay between the different materials allows for users to achieve varying auditory results, making them appealing for different preferences—whether it be crispness with resonance or a softer, fuller typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, which contrasts sharply with the lighter 45 grams of the Silent Sakura. Similarly, for bottom out forces, the Jupiter Banana reaches 69 grams, while the Silent Sakura is lighter at 53 grams. This means that the Jupiter Banana is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Silent Sakura caters to users who enjoy a softer touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Hence, if you prioritize a substantial tactile experience, the Jupiter Banana is your choice, whereas the Silent Sakura is preferable for lighter and more comfortable typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that if you choose the Jupiter Banana, you will experience a shorter and more responsive keypress, which may be ideal for gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura, with its traditional 4 mm travel, may be more appealing to those who prefer a fuller, deeper feel when typing, providing a more satisfying experience for certain users. Ultimately, those who favor responsiveness might lean toward the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Jupiter Banana, while those who appreciate a more substantial feedback might opt for the longer 4 mm travel of the Silent Sakura.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out with its high-pitched and resonant audio profile. Typists can expect a sharp and crisp sound when pressing the keys, delivering a clean auditory experience that caters to those who prefer a more pronounced sound over richer, bass-heavy tones. The resonant nature of the switch enhances the overall experience, ensuring that each keystroke is not just felt but also heard in a satisfying manner. Conversely, the sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a whisper-quiet operation, akin to gentle raindrops. This switch is tailored for those who prioritize a serene typing environment, effectively minimizing distraction through its muted sound, particularly appealing for office settings or shared workspaces.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana switches provide a luxurious typing experience characterized by their polished and creamy textures. The smooth and refined finish allows for reduced friction and effortless key travel, making each keystroke glide seamlessly. The addition of two-stage springs ensures a strong return and consistent tactile feedback, contributing to the overall pleasantness of the typing experience. On the other hand, while the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a balanced 53g bottom-out force catering to typists who favor a lighter touch, specific details about its tactile feedback and overall feel remain unknown, making a direct comparison challenging.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana excels in providing a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing feel and a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura appeals to more discreet users seeking a quiet yet satisfying keystroke. Depending on your needs—whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both—each switch can deliver enjoyable results, but they will excel in different aspects.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a heavier actuation with a tactile bump, which offers both a pronounced feedback and a crisp auditory experience, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent option. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the satisfying click of tactile switches and who may appreciate a switch that enhances the aesthetic of backlighting thanks to its softer glow. On the other hand, if your typing style leans towards a lighter touch with quieter keystrokes, the Silent Sakura - 53g could be the ideal choice for you. This switch excels in providing a smooth and serene typing experience, making it perfect for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces. Additionally, if you prioritize a refined, effortless feel while typing, the Silent Sakura will cater to your needs without the distraction of sound. Thus, consider your own typing habits and sound preferences when making your decision, as each switch offers unique advantages that cater to different styles and settings.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more