Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) represent two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its polished feel, high-pitched sound profile, and creamy resonance, making it an excellent choice for typists who desire a clear tactile feedback and a brighter acoustic experience. Its two-stage springs provide a strong return and consistent feel, ensuring a satisfying typing session. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) shines as a hall effect switch, offering a neutral sound signature that delivers the sought-after "thock" while minimizing keystroke wobble through its dustproof stem, catering to those who appreciate a refined tactile sensation paired with smooth performance. Both switches offer unique attributes that may appeal to different users—whether you prefer the energetic feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the sophisticated feel of the Sticky Rice (V2). 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

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$2.80 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which offers several advantages. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated. Since both switches share this material for their top housings, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of sound clarity and visual effects when using them in illuminated setups.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which represents a divergence in sound characteristics. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinct acoustic quality contrasts with the sharper response of the polycarbonate top housing. Consequently, the overall sound experience when typing on these switches will blend the clarity of the polycarbonate from the top with the warmth and depth from the nylon bottom. As such, while both switches share similar qualities in the upper housing, the nylon bottom significantly influences the auditory experience, particularly during bottom-out sounds.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) ensures that users receive a balanced typing experience. With polycarbonate’s brilliance and nylon’s warmth, potential buyers can rest assured they will enjoy the benefits of both materials. The duality of sound—crisp and sharp from the top, and deep and rounded from the bottom—embodies a unique acoustic signature that caters to various typing preferences. Therefore, although the nuances in sound and feel differ based on the housing materials, similar material choices contribute to a cohesive yet multifaceted typing experience across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a significantly lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch will find the Sticky Rice (V2) more suitable, especially for lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel will likely gravitate towards the heavier Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, while both switches provide different tactile experiences, the Jupiter Banana's heavier forces lend a stronger push feel, while the lighter Sticky Rice (V2) promotes easier keystrokes, favoring comfort and speed over resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a quicker response time, the Jupiter Banana, with its shorter travel distance, may be the better choice, especially for gamers who favor speed. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing the keys, the Sticky Rice (V2) may better suit your needs with its deeper travel. Therefore, the Gateron Jupiter Banana offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more substantial depth for a satisfying tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches produce a distinct high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. This sharp and crisp sound is ideal for those who appreciate a cleaner and more defined audio experience while typing. The Jupiter Bananas are engineered to provide a bright tonal quality, which can be particularly enjoyable in a quiet environment. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches are known for their neutral sound signature, reminiscent of the desirable "thock" that enthusiasts often seek. This suggests that, while the Jupiter Bananas may deliver more of a pronounced sound, the Sticky Rice switches will offer a more balanced acoustic experience. However, the actual sound can vary significantly based on your choice of keyboard plate and keycap materials, making personal customization a crucial factor in the final auditory results.

Regarding feel, the Jupiter Banana switches stand out with their polished and creamy characteristics, offering a smooth, refined finishing that significantly enhances the typing experience. This results in reduced friction and silky keystrokes, making it feel almost effortless as your fingers glide across the keys. The enhanced two-stage springs also support a satisfying return, providing a consistent tactile resistance without excessive noise. On the other hand, the feel of the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches remains less well-documented, but they are characterized by a super smooth keystroke thanks to a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble. This contributes to an overall performance that is commendable for tactile sensations. Overall, the Jupiter Bananas promise a luxurious typing experience, while the Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to provide a refined yet potentially less intricate tactile feedback.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana excels in producing a high-pitched, resonant sound paired with a glossy, creamy feel, making it a vibrant option for enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2) provides a neutral sound profile and a smooth keystroke, appealing to those who prioritize a well-balanced experience. Ultimately, while their characteristics differ, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on individual typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a distinct high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana might be your best choice. Its polished and creamy feel offers a smooth typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a noticeable tactile bump combined with a sharper auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) is a fantastic alternative, delivering a delightful balance between feel and sound. With its refined "thock" sound signature and super smooth keystroke, this switch is ideal for users who favor a more subdued auditory profile coupled with a gentle production force. In essence, opt for the Jupiter Banana for a more assertive tactile sensation and sound, while the Sticky Rice (V2) serves well for those seeking a lighter touch and a seamless typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more