Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi stand out as excellent options, each bringing unique characteristics to the table. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a strong return and consistent feel with its two-stage springs. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a linear switch that not only excels in innovation but also adds a visual aesthetic element with its light-diffusing column, creating mesmerizing RGB visuals. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as polished, high-pitched, and resonant, the WS Morandi is described as buttery, creamy, low-pitched, silky, subdued, and thocky. Deciding between these switches may depend on your preference for tactile feedback versus smooth linear movement. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Jupiter Banana boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Morandi features a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences - sharper and crisper for polycarbonate, and deeper and more muted for POM.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Jupiter Banana utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the WS Morandi also incorporates POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep and muted sound profile as its top housing. While both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, the choice between nylon and POM for the bottom housing will ultimately affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The differences in top and bottom housing materials offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound quality, with polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound while POM offers a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a more resonant typing experience with polycarbonate or a softer, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, the Jupiter Banana is heavier with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the WS Morandi is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. If a lighter force is preferred, the WS Morandi would be the better choice, while those looking for a heavier feel would lean towards the Jupiter Banana. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Jupiter Banana, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the WS Morandi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Morandi comes in at $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, producing sharp and crisp auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a dampened and satisfying auditory experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profiles, as well as other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, but the specific feel can vary based on individual preferences and typing styles.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana excels in producing a high-pitched and resonant sound, along with a polished and creamy typing feel. Meanwhile, the WS Morandi delivers a low-pitched and thocky sound, coupled with a buttery and silky typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound and a refined feel, or a more mellow, bass-heavy tone with a buttery smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is important to take into account the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a polished and creamy typing feel, then the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile, and a buttery, creamy, or silky typing feel, then the WS Morandi may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and aesthetics.
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