Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the tactile switch category, it becomes evident that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T impresses with its harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering a bassy 'thock' sound profile along with assertive tactile feedback. While the Jupiter Banana exhibits characteristics such as being polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the U4T is marked as bassy, thocky, and sharp. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and individual typing needs. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes called "boba plastic," that delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the materials are different, both switches offer distinctive sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. Both switches prioritize sound quality with their bottom housings, offering a pleasant typing experience with unique tonal qualities. Despite the different materials used, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with their bottom housings playing a significant role in the overall sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4T ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, while the Gazzew U4T's Gazzew blend top housing offers a rich and deep sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience, with each material bringing its unique characteristics to the table. Whether you prefer a crisper sound from a stiffer material like polycarbonate or a deeper sound from a softer blend like "boba plastic," both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the U4T, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Jupiter Banana requiring 69 grams and the U4T needing 65 grams. This means that while the Jupiter Banana may have a slightly lighter initial press, both switches provide a similar typing experience when fully pressed down. Some users may prefer the Jupiter Banana for its slightly lighter actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while others may lean towards the U4T for a more robust typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing the two, the Jupiter Banana offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the U4T provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences, with the Jupiter Banana being the shorter option and the U4T being the longer option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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 switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that can be immersive for the user. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, adding a deep and rich tone to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a higher pitch and clean sound, while the U4T provides a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound profiles, taking into consideration factors such as keyboard setup and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. While the Jupiter Banana focuses on a polished and creamy feel for a sleek typing experience, the U4T prioritizes intense feedback intensity for a distinct tactile sensation. Again, the decision between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gazzew U4T switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jupiter Banana excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing feel, while the U4T stands out for its bassy thocky sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, both switches deliver quality performance that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the nuances in bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a high-precision, softer tactile feel with a resonant, high-pitched sound, the Jupiter Banana may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassy 'thock' sound profile, and a sharp tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
