Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer unique experiences for users. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is renowned for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a distinct typing sensation. With its two-stage springs, it ensures a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, a linear switch, boasts a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, giving it a great typing feel. Additionally, it has a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall user experience. While the Jupiter Banana offers a polished and high-pitched feel, the Splash Brothers provide a more neutral and subtle 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this common material for their top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housings.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Jupiter Banana uses nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Splash Brothers also utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound. This material choice impacts the typing experience on both switches, enhancing the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard.
The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience on both the Jupiter Banana and Splash Brothers switches. The bottom housing material contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a distinct sound profile and typing experience, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Splash Brothers, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has a heavier bottom out force of 69 grams. This means that the Splash Brothers switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier force when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Jupiter Banana with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Splash Brothers with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a compact and responsive typing experience, with the difference in travel distance being minimal and likely to result in similar typing speeds for most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which is moderate in terms of actuation force requirement and overall volume. Depending on personal preference, the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those who enjoy a more distinctive and immersive sound, while the Splash Brothers may be favored by those seeking a more versatile and universally pleasing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a silky sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing feel, combining gentle resistance with lively feedback for a more dynamic and responsive typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana offering a more luxurious and buttery feel, while the Splash Brothers deliver a balanced and lively typing experience.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing feel, catering to a wider range of users with its versatile and responsive characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, then the Jupiter Banana is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a linear typing experience with shorter activation and a creamy sound signature, then the Splash Brothers is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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