Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Jupiter Banana is well-regarded for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, making it a polished and high-pitched tactile switch that offers a creamy and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile from Wuque Studio is specially designed for office environments, providing a medium tactility combined with superior noise reduction for a silent yet crisp typing experience. While the Jupiter Banana focuses on precision and consistency, the WS Silent Tactile emphasizes quiet operation and tactile feedback without the use of silicone dampeners. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches allows for a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite this similarity in bottom housing material, the Jupiter Banana stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. With its translucency, the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the audio experience.
In terms of sound production, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana's top housing leads to a sharper and more defined sound, whereas the softer nature of nylon in the WS Silent Tactile's top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Despite these differences in sound characteristics, both switches exhibit quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether for a crisper or a fuller typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of typing. While the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, their differences in top housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. The Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those looking for a more crisp typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing delivers a deeper sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a softer typing feel. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique and customizable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana is slightly heavier at 69 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it may still affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the WS Silent Tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is important to consider the differences in their acoustic profiles. The Jupiter Banana switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a more neutral and muted sound, ideal for quieter environments such as office settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, with the Jupiter Banana switch catering to those who enjoy a more distinct and resonant typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile switch prioritizes noise reduction.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, and mild, providing a medium tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating a satisfying typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Jupiter Banana switch focusing on a sleek and buttery feel, while the WS Silent Tactile switch emphasizes a balanced and invigorating tactile response.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana switch excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound, coupled with a polished and creamy typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a quieter and more balanced sound, alongside an accented and invigorating tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience with medium tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, ensuring that they achieve a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it all comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a high-pitched, resonant sound, as well as a polished and creamy feel, then the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise reduction and prefer a switch with a medium tactility, neutral, muted sound, and an accented, invigorating, or mild feel, then the WS Silent Tactile may be more suited to your needs, especially in quiet office environments. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make your decision based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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