Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences for users. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that provide a strong return and consistent feel. Categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', this switch appeals to those looking for a tactile typing experience with a touch of luxury. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch made entirely of POM material, offering a short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation. Known for its thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch, this switch provides a different typing sensation altogether. While the Jupiter Banana may be preferred for its tactility and softer feel, the Smoothie Silver may attract users seeking a fast and smooth typing experience. 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

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more high-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users who enjoy a softer typing feel. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, but their top housings contribute to varying sound profiles that can cater to different tastes.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound that provides a unique typing experience. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the overall theme of a softer typing feel. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience that caters to users seeking a specific type of typing feedback.

In essence, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Smoothie Silver utilize different housing materials, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of offering unique and pleasing sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, along with the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housing, work harmoniously to create distinct typing experiences for users. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted feel, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Jupiter Banana is 69 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. The Jupiter Banana offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver provides a lighter touch. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Jupiter Banana, while those who like a lighter typing experience may prefer the Smoothie Silver for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and overall typing experience between the two switches. However, it is worth noting that the Jupiter Banana switch provides a tactile feedback, while the Smoothie Silver switch is a linear switch, so they will feel slightly different in terms of key press sensation. Nonetheless, the travel distance remains consistent at 3.4 mm for both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience with an immersive auditory feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for a thocky sound, offering unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. Depending on your preference for sound, the Jupiter Banana will provide a brighter and sharper sound, while the Smoothie Silver will offer a unique thocky sound that is smooth and satisfying.

When it comes 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 effortless key travel. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not available. If we were to compare the two based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Jupiter Banana will offer a buttery typing experience due to its polished and creamy feel, while the Smoothie Silver may focus more on the lightning-fast actuation and smoothness without specific information on the feel.

Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a polished and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch could be the ideal option for you. It is important to consider personal preferences in sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a strong return and consistent feel, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and prioritize a short travel distance for rapid actuation, along with a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactile vs linear typing experience, and sound and feel characteristics. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more