Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are both popular options to consider. The Jupiter Banana is known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a unique tactile experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a great choice for those looking for a tactile switch that is also silent, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and advantages, with the Jupiter Banana offering a polished, high-pitched feel while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a stepped, accented sensation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While the top housings of the Jupiter Banana and Silent T1 (Shrimp) are both made of polycarbonate, the key differences lie in the bottom housings. The Jupiter Banana features a nylon bottom housing, offering a different sound profile compared to the Silent T1's nylon bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing material on the sound and feel of the switch cannot be understated, as it plays a significant role in the typing experience. However, the top housing material also influences the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both materials in creating a well-rounded switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of clear polycarbonate housings, which allow for RGB lighting effects. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique sound profile due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound from the Jupiter Banana or a deeper and fuller sound from the Silent T1 (Shrimp), both switches provide a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences in sound profile and overall typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Silent T1, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams and 69 grams respectively, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force required to fully press the key. Users who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Banana for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Durock Silent T1 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it more favorable for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, but the Jupiter Banana's shorter travel distance will deliver faster results compared to the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch provides a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes typical mechanical keyboard noise. If you prefer a more immersive auditory feedback, the Jupiter Banana switch might be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is the better choice.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is characterized as stepped, accented, and polished. This means that it offers a two-stage tactile feel that is not overwhelming but still provides a prominent amount of tactility, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch may provide a slightly more subtle tactile feedback compared to the Jupiter Banana switch.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing feel, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted sound with a stepped, accented, and polished tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the sharp and crisp feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the subdued and tactile feedback of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for those looking for a quality tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a polished and creamy feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silenced switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, muted sound profile, and a stepped and accented feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, noise sensitivity, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision between these two tactile switches.
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