Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Dareu Sky V4 offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch, boasts the innovative use of POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action for a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Gateron Jupiter Banana offers a polished and high-pitched typing experience, the Dareu Sky V4 provides a thocky and low-pitched feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$2.80 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Dareu Sky V4 differ in their composition and characteristics. The Jupiter Banana boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sky V4 features a POK top housing, which is exceptionally smooth and durable with strong wear resistance. While both top housings offer distinct advantages, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate provides a crisper sound, while the Sky V4's POK material contributes to smooth and clacky switches.

In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Jupiter Banana and the Sky V4 utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than other plastics, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience with the nylon bottom housing enhancing the overall sound profile. While the bottom housing may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Dareu Sky V4 significantly influences the sound and feel of the typing experience. Whether it be the crisper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana or the smooth and durable POK material in the Sky V4, each housing material offers unique advantages. The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches further enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, understanding the properties of different housing materials allows consumers to choose a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and feel.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V4 only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, resulting in a medium-light touch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sky V4, as it requires less force to type, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Dareu Sky V4 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them favorable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dareu Sky V4 due to its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences among users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profiles, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying tone, thanks to the POK material used in its top housing. Despite their differences in sound signature, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience depending on personal preference, board, and keycap choices.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, featuring a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek key travel sensation. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. While the Jupiter Banana focuses on a creamy and buttery feel, the Sky V4 emphasizes a more elastic and rebounding sensation, catering to different typing styles and preferences.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana excels in its high-pitched and resonant sound profiles, combined with a polished and creamy typing experience, while the Sky V4 stands out for its thocky sound signature and bouncy key feedback. Both switches present unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for users based on their individual preferences and requirements. Ultimately, whether opting for the Jupiter Banana or the Sky V4, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their liking.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force, smooth action, and a deep sound signature thanks to the POK material in its top housing, then the Dareu Sky V4 switch is the better choice for you. Consider your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches to ensure a satisfying and tailored keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more