Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two outstanding options in the tactile switch category are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Jupiter Banana is celebrated for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a smoother and more polished feel with a distinctive high-pitched, creamy resonance. The enhanced two-stage spring mechanism guarantees a strong return and a consistent tactile sensation, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches intertwine deep, resonant "thock" sounds with a whisper-quiet performance, resulting in a luxurious typing feel that is both acoustically satisfying and subtle. This switch strikes a refined balance, offering a sharp tactile bump that enhances feedback without overwhelming noise. While both switches promise a superior typing experience, the decision between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. 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

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.80 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4Tx, several distinctions become apparent, particularly in the composition and acoustic properties of the top housings. The Jupiter Banana employs a polycarbonate top housing, notable for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its clear finish. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which is softer and produces a rich, deeper sound profile. This fundamental difference in material leads to a distinct auditory experience, where the Jupiter Banana emphasizes clarity, while the U4Tx delivers a fuller tonal character.

Shifting focus to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gazzew U4Tx utilize softer materials that significantly influence the switches' overall sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience, which contrasts with the higher-pitched qualities of the top. Similarly, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing shares this softness trait, contributing to a rich sound that aligns with the softer acoustics of its top housing. Interestingly, while both switches are defined by their softer bottom housing, the Gazzew U4Tx maintains its unique sound profile even with a different top housing material.

Ultimately, the interplay of the top and bottom housings in both switches creates a nuanced sound profile that can appeal to different typing preferences. While the differences in materials between the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top and the U4Tx's boba plastic may suggest vastly different sound outcomes, users may find similar typing satisfaction. This is due in part to the commonality of softer materials in the bottom housings, which not only absorb sound effectively but also create a luscious auditory experience upon key press. Therefore, while the acoustic characteristics are influenced by the unique properties of each switch's materials, the overall typing experience can remain comparably pleasing, demonstrating how distinct material choices can converge to yield satisfying results.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, indicating a medium-heavy push feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, while the U4Tx’s actuation force remains unspecified, it features a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, classifying it as medium. As such, the U4Tx can be inferred to have a lighter actuation force than the Jupiter Banana, especially considering that the push required to initiate a keystroke in the U4Tx is lighter relative to the heavier feeling of the Jupiter Banana. Therefore, for those who favor longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue, the Gazzew U4Tx might be more appealing, while the Jupiter Banana would be suitable for those who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see a notable distinction. The Jupiter Banana boasts a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Jupiter Banana the shorter option, catering more towards gamers and users who value quicker response times. In contrast, the U4Tx, with its greater depth, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during their typing experience. Ultimately, selecting one switch over the other will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth during key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches produce a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that delivers a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sharp sound might appeal to those who prefer a more transparent and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are characterized by a deeper, bassy sound, creating a rich auditory experience with a pronounced "thock" when bottoming out. The U4Tx also offers a muted sound at the top of the stroke, providing a whisper-quiet typing experience. Collectively, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Jupiter Banana leans toward a brighter and cleaner sound, whereas the U4Tx embraces a more resonant and deep acoustic signature.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Banana excels with its polished and creamy characteristics, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of a polished finish and the creaminess ensures that each keystroke feels fluid and effortless, almost like gliding over the keys. In contrast, the U4Tx features a sharp tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity. Each keypress is marked by a distinct tactile sensation, making it a satisfying choice for those who search for strong tactile feedback in their switches. Although both switches provide enjoyable tactile experiences, the Jupiter Banana emphasizes smoothness and ease, while the U4Tx focuses on clear and defined feedback.

Ultimately, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gazzew U4Tx switches each have their own strengths that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana's high-pitched, resonant sound and creamy, polished feel create a refined typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize a smooth operation. In contrast, the U4Tx's bassy sound profile and sharp tactile feedback provide a more robust sensory experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences that can lead to fulfilling typing sessions.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force with a polished and creamy feel, the Jupiter Banana might be your ideal choice. Its high-pitched, resonant sound profile is excellent for those who appreciate a sharp and crisp auditory experience while typing. However, if a softer touch and a slightly lighter bottom-out force appeal to you, the U4Tx could be the better option. It offers an engaging “thock” sound when bottoming out with a muted and bassy tone, which is perfect for users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. Moreover, the U4Tx’s sharper tactile bump provides a more pronounced feedback, ensuring that each keystroke is felt distinctly. In short, your preferred typing experience and sound profile will guide you to either the Jupiter Banana for a more dynamic and lively feel or the U4Tx for a refined and luxurious auditory sensation.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more