Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Smoothie 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 Gateron Smoothie are two popular options to consider. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch made entirely of POM, providing a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. The Jupiter Banana is best described as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, while the Smoothie is characterized as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Depending on your personal preference for typing experience, you may prefer the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the smooth and quiet operation of the Smoothie. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing material of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gateron Smoothie switches have distinct characteristics that impact the sound profile and feel of typing on these switches. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clear resonance, especially useful for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing materials, with the Jupiter Banana providing a crisper sound compared to the Smoothie's softer tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gateron Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon material, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Gateron Smoothie also uses POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience with a duller tone compared to the sharper top housing sound profiles.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gateron Smoothie switches, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience through their housing materials. The split between the two housing materials allows for a combination of qualities in sound and feel, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana or the deeper and muted tone of POM in the Smoothie, these housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana is the heavier option with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the Smoothie is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams. The bottom out force for the Smoothie is unavailable, making it unclear how it compares in that aspect. Those who prefer a light actuation force may find the Smoothie more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Jupiter Banana may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The 3.4 mm and 3.6 mm travel distances are quite close, so the difference in feel when pressing down on the key may be subtle. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them well-suited for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana or the slightly longer travel distance of the Smoothie will depend on your personal preference for key press depth and overall responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound that can be immersive. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound with a more mellow tone. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, but if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Jupiter Banana would be the choice, while the Smoothie is ideal for those who enjoy a thocky and subdued sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile 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 Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, delivering a seamless and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a luxurious and smooth typing feel, but if you prefer a polished and creamy experience, the Jupiter Banana would be the choice, while the Smoothie provides a buttery and silky feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Banana excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Smoothie stands out with its thocky and subdued sound along with a buttery and silky typing sensation. Both switches ensure a premium typing experience, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. However, rest assured that whichever switch you choose, you can expect a top-tier mechanical keyboard switch experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound with a buttery, creamy, or silky feel, the Smoothie could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel when typing.
Mentioned in this article
