Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out for their unique characteristics: the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Jupiter Banana boasts high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it a favorite among users looking for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is renowned for its fast and precise typing capabilities, with reduced travel distance for quick actuation. While the Jupiter Banana is described as 'polished', 'high-pitched', 'creamy', and 'resonant', the Speed Silver is characterized as 'neutral', 'mild', and 'polished'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but diving deeper into their intricacies will help you determine the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and TTC Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing provides the same deep and full sound profile.
While both switches share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differentiation lies in the nylon bottom housing. The bottom housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on a switch. With nylon being softer and absorbing more sound, it influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can provide a unique typing experience, with each material contributing distinct characteristics to the overall sound profile.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and TTC Speed Silver differ in their housing materials, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile. While the Jupiter Banana includes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Speed Silver also utilizes nylon for a similar effect. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows each switch to offer a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound on key release. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can result in varied sound profiles and overall typing experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams to actuate and 69 grams to bottom out, while the Speed Silver only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. The heavier forces of the Jupiter Banana provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the lighter forces of the Speed Silver make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, allowing for quicker keystrokes with less fatigue. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Jupiter Banana offering a heavier touch and the Speed Silver providing a lighter touch for different typing experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer consistent feedback and performance in terms of travel distance. As a result, regardless of whether you choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing sharp and crisp sound profiles. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing needs. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction, users can expect distinct auditory experiences from these two switches.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by its polished and creamy feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Users can enjoy reduced friction and smooth key travel with these switches. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle ground zone. Both switches emphasize a polished finish, contributing to a sleek and effortless typing sensation for users.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities for users to consider. While the Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-pitched sound and creamy feel, the Speed Silver appeals to those seeking a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can expect distinct typing experiences from each switch, tailored to their specific needs. Ultimately, both switches provide quality craftsmanship and design features that are sure to enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with a high-precision mold and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are seeking.
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