Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the distinction between tactile and linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, stands out with its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, boasting two-stage springs that provide a strong return and a consistent feel with each keystroke. Its polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant characteristics offer a unique blend of feedback that can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ delivers a completely different experience as an all-POM linear switch. Known for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature and buttery-smooth keystrokes, it caters well to those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted flow without the tactile bumps. When choosing between these two options, you may want to consider whether you prioritize the satisfying feedback and engagement of a tactile switch or the seamless smoothness and sound profile of a linear switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches, the differences in their housing materials significantly influence the sound profiles they produce. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffness associated with polycarbonate allows for greater resonance and clarity, making it a popular choice for RGB enthusiasts due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing that offers a muted, deeper sound profile. POM’s properties result in a more subdued auditory experience, presenting a pleasant sound that differs markedly from the crisper tones of polycarbonate.
Looking at the bottom housings, both switches utilize different materials that emphasize distinct sound qualities. The Jupiter Banana employs a nylon bottom housing, a material that absorbs sound well and delivers a deeper, fuller auditory experience due to its softer nature. POM is used in the WS POM+’s bottom housing, echoing some characteristics of nylon by providing a deeper sound that leans toward muted softness. Therefore, while both switches yield deeper sound profiles from their bottom housings, the Jupiter Banana's nylon gives a rounder quality compared to the unique sonic characteristics offered by POM in the WS POM+.
Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housing materials affects the overall sound experience for each switch. While the Jupiter Banana combines a crisp, high-pitched response from the polycarbonate top with a rounded, deeper feel from the nylon bottom, the WS POM+'s consistent use of POM in both top and bottom contributes to a more uniform sound profile with a distinctly muted quality. If you're looking for a versatile sound profile that captures both clarity and fullness, utilizing switches with varied housings like the Jupiter Banana might yield more complex auditory results. Conversely, the consistent material choice in the WS POM+ provides a harmonious sound that can be appealing for those who favor a unified auditory experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Banana requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, the WS POM+ linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who favor a less taxing keypress for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch may opt for the WS POM+, while those desiring a stronger push feel may lean towards the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, these differences in force can significantly influence the overall typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana providing a medium-heavy feel and the WS POM+ offering a medium-light sensation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for users seeking quicker response times, the Gateron Jupiter Banana might be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS POM+ offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper, more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a pronounced tactile experience. Therefore, if you value quick actuation, the Jupiter Banana is the preferable choice, whereas the WS POM+ would suit those who favor a more hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 POM+ 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches are characterized by a high-pitched and resonant audio profile. This means that each keystroke produces a sharp, crisp sound that can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a more elevated auditory experience. The resonance offers an immersive quality that enhances the overall typing experience, making each press feel pronounced and satisfying. In contrast, the WS POM+ linear switches do not have a defined sound profile provided, thus making it challenging to compare their acoustic qualities directly. However, it is worth noting that sound can be influenced by other factors like the choice of keycaps and the keyboard itself.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches provide a polished and creamy typing experience. The smooth, refined finish of these switches, likely enhanced by factory lubrication, results in reduced friction and a slick travel feel that is satisfying during use. The creamy sensation allows for effortless keystrokes, giving the user a sense of gliding through typing tasks. On the other hand, the WS POM+ linear switches lack specific descriptors regarding their tactile feel, leaving their performance open to speculation. However, the absence of tactile feedback often associated with linear switches suggests they would provide a different experience, likely focusing on smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without the tactile bump characteristic of switches like the Jupiter Banana.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches stand out for their distinct sound and creamy feel, offering a pronounced auditory and tactile experience that many find enjoyable. The WS POM+ linear switches, while potentially providing a smooth keystroke, do not have sufficient information to make a direct comparison regarding their sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and those looking for a sharper sound with tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Jupiter Banana, while users favoring a smoother linear experience might consider giving the WS POM+ a try, keeping in mind that sound and feel can often depend on the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you find yourself gravitating towards a tactile experience that combines a medium-heavy actuation force with distinct feedback, the Jupiter Banana will likely be your best bet. Its high-pitched, resonant sound and polished, creamy feel make it ideal for those who appreciate audible and tactile confirmation when typing, enhancing both the sensory experience and typing accuracy. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on smoothness and silence, the WS POM+ is well-suited for you. Its medium-light actuation and buttery-smooth keystrokes provide a delightful typing experience, making it a great option for extended typing sessions or for users who enjoy a quieter environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles; choose based on whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear motion in your daily use.
Mentioned in this article
