Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can deeply influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its high-precision molds and distinctive softer backlight effects, complemented by its two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and a consistent feel. This switch offers a polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile bump without a loud noise. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, brings a captivating re-coloring of the renowned Magnetic Jade, delivering a bright and clacky sound signature paired with a silky smooth keystroke that elevates your typing to a new level of sophistication. While the Jupiter Banana excels in tactile feedback, the WS Dash stands out for its refined sound and smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$2.80 per 10

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute similar auditory characteristics and aesthetic qualities to each switch. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff and translucent plastic, leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to its ability to resonate more clearly than softer plastics. For users intending to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards, both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucence, allowing light to pass through effectively and enhance the visual appeal of the key switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar brightness and vibrancy in RGB lighting effects with both the Jupiter Banana and WS Dash switches.

On the bottom end, both the Jupiter Banana and WS Dash employ nylon as their respective bottom housing material, which yields a distinctly different auditory experience compared to their polycarbonate tops. Nylon is recognized for its softer and more absorbent qualities, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrasts with the crispness of the polycarbonate top, creating a balanced overall auditory experience when the switch is actuated. As the nylon bottom absorbs sound more effectively, it dampens any potentially harsh frequencies produced by the polycarbonate top, delivering a more rounded sound profile when typing.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Wuque Studio WS Dash allows for a harmonious blend of auditory characteristics. While the tops of both switches contribute sharpness and clarity due to their polycarbonate composition, the nylon bottoms mitigate any excessive brightness, giving rise to a more nuanced sound experience. The differences and synergies between the materials in both the top and bottom housings appear to align closely, providing users of either switch with a consistent and pleasing auditory feedback with every keystroke.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash is significantly lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the WS Dash, as its lower forces can reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a firmer feedback might opt for the heavier Jupiter Banana. Therefore, while both switches serve different user preferences—one being lighter and the other heavier—they each offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Jupiter Banana, you'll experience a marginally shorter actuation depth compared to the WS Dash. For gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness, the Jupiter Banana may feel more appealing due to its quicker actuation. However, the WS Dash, with its 3.5 mm travel, may provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced keypress. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the slight difference may impact personal preference for key feel and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized as high-pitched and resonant. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp auditory experience, providing a clean and immersive sound that can be appealing to those who prefer less bass and more clarity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switches come with a bright and clacky sound signature. The combination of their acoustic design and the materials used ensures that they deliver an engaging auditory experience, though specific descriptors for the sound were not provided. It's important to note that the sound produced by both switches may be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard they are mounted in and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches excel with their polished and creamy characteristics. The polished finish results in reduced friction and a smooth typing experience, while the creamy sensation provides a buttery feel as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This luxurious tactile nature transforms the act of typing into a more enjoyable and fluid experience. The feel of the WS Dash hall effect switches, however, remains unspecified. Without detailed descriptors, it’s challenging to directly compare their tactile feedback, but the overall smoothness and response can be inferred due to their intended design for refined performance.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, appealing to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Jupiter Banana provides a sharp, resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a clean and enjoyable typing experience. While the WS Dash boasts a bright and clacky sound signature, the specifics of its feel remain uncertain. Ultimately, your choice may depend on which sound profile and tactile experience resonate more strongly with your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and the experience you wish to achieve. If you favor a medium-heavy typing experience with a tactile feedback that is both polished and creamy, the Jupiter Banana may be your best choice. Its high bottom-out force of 69 grams provides a firmer resistance while typing, which can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a stronger keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a softer touch combined with an engaging auditory experience, the WS Dash switch's medium-light feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams may resonate with you better. The captivating clack and silky smooth keystroke offered by the WS Dash makes it ideal for both intense gaming sessions and prolonged typing tasks. Ultimately, if you prioritize tactile feedback and a resonant sound profile, go for the Jupiter Banana; however, if a lighter keypress with unique acoustics is what you seek, the WS Dash will not disappoint.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn more