Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Bsun Taichi, each catering to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Banana is revered for its tactile feedback, characterized by a polished and creamy feel, complemented by softer backlight effects that can enhance your typing experience in low-light settings. Its two-stage springs offer a strong return and consistent actuation, making it appealing for those who enjoy a sensory response with each key press. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi prioritizes smoothness and stability, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that create an enchanting high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. This linear switch is perfect for typists who prefer a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps, allowing for faster and more fluid typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback versus smoothness and stability; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Bsun Taichi switches share a striking similarity in their top housing material: both utilize polycarbonate. This shared material significantly influences the acoustic properties of the switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, producing an overall sound that is pleasing to the ear. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows for vivid illumination and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Bsun Taichi are both designed with nylon, which is recognized as a classic choice in switch construction. Unlike the polycarbonate top, which contributes to the clear and acute sound profile, nylon brings a depth and fullness to the auditory experience. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, the bottom-out feel and noise produced during a keystroke are influenced heavily by the nylon bottom housing, creating a more muted and cohesive sound experience when typing.
Ultimately, while both switches feature the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a balance in the overall sound profile. The polycarbonate top enhances the brightness and clarity of the switch's sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom adds warmth and depth during the keystroke. This dual-material construction permits users to experience a well-rounded typing sound that is distinctly characterized by each housing's attributes, leading to a synergistic performance that is pleasurable for all types of users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jupiter Banana exhibits an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it feel less strenuous during typing sessions. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force for the Taichi is not available, leaving that aspect of its performance unclear. The lighter actuation force of the Taichi may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially suited for extended use in work or gaming contexts. Meanwhile, typists who enjoy a more solid and substantial feel would likely gravitate toward the heavier forces of the Jupiter Banana. Overall, if someone were to select a switch based on force preferences, the lighter Taichi would be recommended for comfort, whereas the heavier Jupiter Banana would be better for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that the Jupiter Banana features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taichi offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Jupiter Banana the shorter option, favoring users who prefer a more responsive feel, which is particularly appealing for gaming. In contrast, the Taichi's longer travel distance may be more suited for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and a sense of depth while typing. Thus, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences; the Jupiter Banana promotes quicker response times, whereas the Taichi provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its distinct high-pitched and resonant auditory profile. This produces a sharp and crisp sound with a clean, immersive quality that is appealing to those who prefer a high-frequency acoustic experience. The clear acoustics enhance the typing experience, making it not just about functionality but also about an enjoyable auditory sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch does not have a defined sound profile shared in the provided information. While these characteristics can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, the Jupiter Banana's auditory sharpness stands out in comparison.
In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana switch boasts a polished and creamy sensation, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and the presence of factory lubing contribute to a buttery key travel that is both fluid and effortless, providing a tactile feedback that users can appreciate. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Taichi switch are not explicitly detailed, which leaves its feel to be somewhat of an unknown. Thus, the Jupiter Banana's tactile experience may be more distinguished, while the Taichi switch's characteristics remain ambiguous.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch shines particularly in its sound and feel, providing a high-pitched resonant sound profile along with an exceptionally smooth typing experience characterized by a polished finish and creamy sensation. The sound qualities make it likely to appeal to users who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback, while the tactile experience is refined and fluid. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi linear switch lacks specific descriptors in its sound and feel attributes, making it challenging to directly compare. If you prioritize a clearly defined sound and tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana would be a strong choice, while the Taichi remains a more uncertain option yet could still cater to users who lean towards the linear switch preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard experience. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 69 grams, the Jupiter Banana is a fantastic option. Its polished and creamy feel provides a smooth and refined typing experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming when you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump. Additionally, the high-pitched, resonant sound it produces might appeal to you if you prefer a sharp auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more linear and smooth, the Bsun Taichi's long-pole stem and extended springs offer an unparalleled silky typing experience, though keep in mind that specifics about its bottom-out force aren't available. This might suit you well if you're a typist who thrives on effortless keystrokes and seeks a quieter option, as the Taichi lacks the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, consider your own typing style—whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smooth, linear sensation—and let it guide your decision!
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