Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Swift 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 HMX Swift offer unique and distinct qualities to consider. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch with a deep sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Jupiter Banana is described as polished and high-pitched, the Swift is characterized as clacky and easy-to-press. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper beyond these generalities will help in deciding which switch is best suited for individual preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Swift, it's clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the Jupiter Banana's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Swift's nylon top housing that produces a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material will likely result in a more distinct sound when typing on the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing offers the benefit of translucency, making it more suitable for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Swift's nylon top housing lacks this feature but provides a more muffled sound experience. While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, the impact of this material on the sound and feel of the switches will be more noticeable when bottoming out keys. The contrasting qualities of the housing materials in the top and bottom of each switch contribute to their overall sound profile and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Swift may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana will offer a crisper and sharper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Swift may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches provide unique characteristics based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material choice in the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Jupiter Banana has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Swift offers a lighter touch ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits based on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force, making it essential to consider weight when selecting a switch for a keyboard.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the HMX Swift linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Jupiter Banana offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Jupiter Banana for its faster actuation, providing a more responsive experience during gameplay. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may opt for the HMX Swift with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and actuation speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 Jupiter Banana switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Swift switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users may choose the Jupiter Banana for a higher-pitched sound or the Swift for a brighter and percussive clack.
Moving on to the feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and buttery sensation while typing, making it a comfortable choice for extended use. In contrast, the Swift switch boasts an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. It provides a feathery touch, reducing finger fatigue during typing sessions and offering a bouncy feedback for a lively typing experience.
Considering the available information, individuals looking for a tactile switch with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile combined with a polished and creamy typing feel may opt for the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch. On the other hand, those preferring a linear switch with a clacky sound, easy-to-press feel, and feathery touch may find the HMX Swift switch more suitable. While the sound and feel qualities differ between the two switches, users can expect distinct and satisfying experiences based on their preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile feedback with a polished and creamy feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, easy-to-press, feathery feel with a clacky sound profile, then the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suited for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your personal preferences carefully before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Jupiter Banana and the Swift will depend on the specific typing feel and sound profile that best suits your needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
