Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can profoundly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Vintage Citrus. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch that offers a creamy and resonant feel, thanks to its high-precision molds and soft backlight effects. With enhanced two-stage springs, it provides a satisfying tactile bump and strong return action, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is designed primarily for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid key presses that can enhance performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, its bright, clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to the experience. While both switches have unique qualities catering to different user preferences—whether it's the satisfying tactile feedback of the Jupiter Banana or the swift responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus—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

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it is clear that they approach sound and feel quite differently, particularly in their top housings. The Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer structure, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly. This translucence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially in RGB lighting scenarios, but it also contributes to a more pronounced sound when the key is released. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer characteristics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound energy, creating a more subdued and rounded auditory experience.

Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which means they share similarities in terms of sound dampening and tactile feel during key presses. The nylon material used in both the Jupiter Banana and the Vintage Citrus promotes a deeper sound profile due to its ability to absorb vibrations, leading to a consistent and richer typing experience. Regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches achieve a polished sound from the bottom housing, as the qualities of nylon contribute to a full and enjoyable typing experience when you bottom out the key.

Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches allows them to showcase different sound characteristics effectively. While the Jupiter Banana offers a crisp and lively release sound thanks to its polycarbonate top, the Vintage Citrus provides a more muted and robust auditory experience reliant predominantly on the qualities of its nylon top. The nylon bottoms of both switches mean that while they might differ on release sound, they will likely deliver a similar feel during key presses, offering users a satisfying tactile feedback. This interplay between the different materials enables users to select a mechanical switch that aligns more closely with their aesthetic preferences and desired auditory feedback.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch provide distinct typing experiences primarily influenced by their respective actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana features a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a much lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This difference results in the Jupiter Banana requiring a firmer push, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience, while the Vintage Citrus is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, if you value a heavier switch for a more pronounced feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana would be the ideal choice; conversely, if a lighter switch appeals to your preferences, the HMX Vintage Citrus would provide a more comfortable experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Banana has a longer travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive feel during use, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, may be the better option for quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth and tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana could cater to that preference with its greater distance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a richer typing experience, as each switch offers different tactile characteristics reflective of their distinct travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by its distinctly high-pitched and resonant quality. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp, crisp sound that stands out, making it ideal for users who prefer a more refined auditory experience devoid of heavy bass frequencies. The clarity of each keystroke creates an immersive interaction with the keyboard, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors provided, which leaves its acoustic performance somewhat ambiguous. However, given that it caters to gaming with a focus on rapid input, one might infer a more pronounced sound profile to accommodate quick, successive key presses.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches are noted for their polished and creamy characteristics. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience, where reduced friction allows for fluid keystrokes. The polished finish, likely aided by quality materials and factory lubing, ensures that each press glides effortlessly, creating a luxurious tactile sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch doesn't have detailed information available about its feel. However, it boasts an extremely low actuation force designed for quick actions, implying a preference for easy, rapid key presses, which could provide a different, possibly less textured typing sensation compared to the tactile satisfaction of the Jupiter Banana.

In conclusion, while both switches serve distinct purposes, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a defined sound profile and a smooth, polished typing feel that many users may appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch emphasizes a low actuation force catering to gaming and rapid inputs but lacks detailed information about its auditory and tactile attributes. If you're inclined towards a sharper auditory experience with tactile feedback, the Jupiter Banana is a clear choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus may suit those focused on speed and quick response times. Your preference will ultimately determine the better fit.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences, typing style, and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force that provides firmness and stability while typing or gaming, then the Jupiter Banana is an excellent choice. Its high-pitched, resonant sound profile delivers an engaging auditory experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying click with each keystroke. The polished and creamy feel of the switch ensures smooth key travel, enhancing your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you are a gamer who prioritizes speed and quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus may be more suitable for you. With a significantly lower bottom out force and a swift actuation point of just 1mm, it facilitates rapid-fire inputs that can give you an edge in fast-paced games. The Vintage Citrus's bright and clacky sound profile, while less defined than the Jupiter Banana, provides a lively typing experience that many gamers prefer. Ultimately, your choice will reflect whether you value tactile feedback and auditory precision or streamlined performance and speed.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more