Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Gateron Weightlessness present intriguing options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Jupiter Banana is distinguished by its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it an attractive choice for users who appreciate a polished and resonant typing experience. Its unique two-stage springs provide a satisfying tactile feedback and ensure a strong return after each keystroke, catering to those who enjoy a pronounced feel while typing. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feedback that might appeal to users looking for a balanced typing experience without an overly pronounced tactile bump. With a sound profile that harmonizes elegantly with its tactile characteristics, the Weightlessness is ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment. Both switches offer distinct benefits, highlighting the diversity available in tactile switches. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Weightlessness, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sturdiness and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This property is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing it to propagate sound waves with clarity and precision. Furthermore, its clear, translucent design enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for users who value both aesthetics and acoustics. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, this component's characteristics impact the overall sound and tactile experience similarly in both models. The nylon bottom housing in the Jupiter Banana mirrors the attributes of the Weightlessness's bottom housing, promoting a deeper sound that is rich and rounded. The ability of nylon to absorb sound contributes to a muted bottom-out sound in both switches, providing a more cushioned typing experience. As a result, users can expect comparable feelings and sounds when bottoming out, regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In blending the two types of housing materials, the overall acoustic profile of each switch is formed through a combination of both the top and bottom materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana delivers a bright and crisp sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and warmth to the keystroke itself. Conversely, the Weightlessness offers a more subdued and mellow sound profile overall due to its all-nylon construction. Thus, users seeking a unique auditory experience will find that switching between these two models offers distinct sound profiles, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a solid foundation of similarity that ties them together.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches, it's clear that they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force. The Jupiter Banana has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams, making it suitable for typists and gamers who appreciate a more substantial feel during use. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions. However, while the Jupiter Banana has a defined bottom out force of 69 grams, the Weightlessness lacks this specification, making it difficult to ascertain how it feels when fully pressed down. This absence of data means we cannot directly compare their bottoming out experiences. Overall, those who enjoy a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Weightlessness, while those seeking a heavier tactile response will find the Jupiter Banana more to their taste.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch feature identical travel distances of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, if you're looking for a consistent tactile feel in your keyboard, both switches will deliver similar performance in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
The Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
The auditory experience of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is marked by its high-pitched and resonant characteristics. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when a key is pressed, providing an immersive auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. The higher frequency tones can make the typing experience feel lively and dynamic, which is especially appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic profile. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have an established sound profile detailed in the information available, making it difficult to compare its auditory characteristics directly with the Jupiter Banana. However, if sound is a secondary consideration, both switches may offer a satisfying auditory experience based on the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches excel with their polished and creamy sensations, which contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of two-stage springs enhances the tactile response, ensuring that each keystroke feels strong and consistent. This design allows for reduced friction, making the actuation feel effortless and enjoyable. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel; however, specific details about their tactile qualities are not available. This lack of information leaves a gap in the comparison, and while both may provide a tactile experience, the Jupiter Banana's characteristics are well-defined, offering clarity in the tactile feedback realm.
In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches stand out with their high-pitched, resonant sound profile and a beautifully refined tactile feel that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle tactile feedback, though their auditory qualities are not detailed. For those seeking a lively auditory experience accompanied by a creamy and polished tactile sensation, the Jupiter Banana is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a more moderate tactile response, the Weightlessness might still serve well, albeit with less clarity regarding its sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeals and can cater to different typing preferences, making it essential to consider your personal style when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a firmer, more responsive feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 69 grams, the Jupiter Banana will likely suit you well. Its high-pitched, resonant sound adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience, while the polished and creamy tactile characteristics provide a smooth and refined touch. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a crisp keyboard sound. On the other hand, if you are seeking a subtler tactile experience with a balanced sound profile, you might lean toward the Weightlessness switch. While it lacks specific bottom-out force data, it offers a softer tactile feel, making it conducive for prolonged typing sessions or for users who prefer a gentler key press without the intensity of the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you like to type and the kind of auditory and tactile feedback you find most satisfying.
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