Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders emerge: the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch. The Jupiter Banana is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering users a pronounced bump that enhances typing accuracy and provides satisfying auditory feedback, all wrapped in a polished and creamy sound profile. Its two-stage springs not only improve key return but also add to the overall consistency and feel of each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) distinguishes itself with its linear action, featuring Ly stems that deliver a supremely smooth typing experience devoid of tactile bumps or audible clicks. This makes the Tomcat ideal for those who prefer a quieter and seamless typing flow. While the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference—tactile engagement versus smooth linearity—each offers unique advantages that cater to different typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.80 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches share a strikingly similar housing composition, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This unique quality arises from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them suitable for RGB lighting applications. Consequently, users can expect a vibrant lighting effect with the inherent visual appeal of these switches, regardless of which model they choose.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Jupiter Banana and Tomcat (Heavy) are made of nylon, leading to a notably different auditory characteristic. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic imparts a unique auditory experience, with echoes of a rounder sound that complements the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Thus, while both switches share the same housing material in the top, their bottom housings diverge in sound quality, offering users a differentiated auditory experience when engaging with the switches.

In practical terms, the combined effects of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches lead to a harmonious balance of sound profiles. The sharper, more resonant sound from the polycarbonate is countered by the depth and fullness of the nylon, creating a cohesive typing experience. Users can expect consistent performance in terms of sound when descending on the key, coupled with a distinct timbre when releasing it. As a result, regardless of the model chosen, the synergy of materials ensures that both the Jupiter Banana and Tomcat (Heavy) deliver a satisfying auditory experience grounded in their thoughtfully selected housing compositions.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both offer a medium-heavy typing experience, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it slightly heavier overall. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, positioning it as the lighter option between the two. This means that for users who prefer a lighter key feel for longer typing sessions, the Tomcat may be the more comfortable choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial push could be satisfied with the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, while both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a lighter touch, beneficial for endurance in prolonged use.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jupiter Banana offers a shorter press, which may appeal to gamers or users who prefer rapid responses, as shorter travel distances are often associated with quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, catering to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is the better choice, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) suits those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, the Jupiter Banana delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched and resonant quality. This sharp, crisp sound creates an engaging typing atmosphere, appealing to those who prefer a cleaner, brighter resonance over deeper, bass-heavy tones. In contrast, the sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) remains unknown; however, it’s noteworthy that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means both switches may produce a unique auditory experience depending on their environment.

In terms of tactile feel, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy characteristics. The smooth finish ensures a refined typing experience with reduced friction, while the creamy texture facilitates a buttery and silky keystroke, enhancing overall comfort. The specific materials and potential factory lubing contribute to this elevated tactile sensation. The sensations offered by the Tomcat (Heavy) are not specified, leaving a gap in comparison; yet, it’s common for linear switches to provide a smooth experience akin to that of creamy tactile switches, which may result in some similarities regarding the overall feel.

In summary, if you are looking for a switch that combines a crisp auditory profile with a notably smooth and creamy typing sensation, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is a compelling choice. While the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) lacks defined characteristics in both sound and feel, it's reasonable to expect a smooth typing experience typical of linear switches, which may still offer pleasant performance for users who appreciate smooth operation. The ultimate experience with either switch will undoubtedly depend on personal preferences and the specific keyboard setup used.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump and prefer a sharper auditory experience, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force combined with a polished and creamy feel creates a smooth and satisfying typing experience while producing a crisp and resonant sound. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy tactile switches for both typing and gaming scenarios, where you need to feel each keypress distinctly. On the other hand, if your priority is a super smooth and linear action without any tactile feedback, coupled with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Tomcat (Heavy) will suit you better. With its focus on buttery smoothness and a less pronounced sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) is perfect for users who thrive in a quieter environment or prefer a seamless typing experience for long hours of work or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the atmosphere in which you will be using the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more