Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. TTC Venus

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the TTC Venus, a linear switch. The Gateron Jupiter Banana is known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, offering a tactile typing experience with a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration that provides a seamless, frictionless glide and a distinctive matte sensation, making typing smooth and engaging. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Venus is described as buttery, gummy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, muted, neutral, polished, subdued, and thocky. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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

TTC Venus Linear

$2.80 per 10

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Jupiter Banana stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound compared to softer plastics. On the other hand, the TTC Venus features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own unique sound qualities, the polycarbonate used in the Jupiter Banana emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the POM in the Venus offers a distinctively deep and rich sound.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Jupiter Banana utilizes nylon which is praised for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but rounder sound. In contrast, the Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice further enhances the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile found in the Venus switches. Despite their different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the TTC Venus have differences in their housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate used in the Jupiter Banana emphasizes brightness and clarity, while the POM in the Venus provides a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in the Jupiter Banana contributes to a fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Venus enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound or a deeper and more muted one, both switches offer unique typing experiences that can cater to a variety of preferences.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Jupiter Banana switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Both switches provide unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a bit shorter than the TTC Venus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Jupiter Banana being slightly shorter and the Venus being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Venus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound, resulting in a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a quieter typing experience. The Venus switch also features a "thocky" sound, producing a deep and satisfying noise when pressed. Overall, while the Jupiter Banana switch leans towards a sharper sound, the Venus switch offers a more subtle and quieter typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is characterized by a polished and creamy typing sensation, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery and frictionless keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Venus switch features a gummy feel, akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on a sleek and polished feel, while the Venus emphasizes a smooth and fluid keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana switch provides a high-pitched and polished typing experience, while the Venus switch offers a low-pitched and buttery feel. If a sharper, more resonant sound with a creamy and polished feel is preferred, the Jupiter Banana switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, for a quieter, bass-heavy sound with a smooth and buttery keystroke, the TTC Venus switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent tactile feedback and offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a high-pitched, resonant sound, the Jupiter Banana may be the choice for you. With its polished and creamy typing feel, it offers a refined and smooth experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a low-pitched, subdued sound, the TTC Venus may be more suitable. Its buttery and frictionless typing feel ensures a seamless and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

TTC Venus Linear

$7.99

$5.09 per 10

Learn more