Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Jupiter Banana is known for its tactile feedback and high-precision molds, making it ideal for those seeking a consistent and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing feel, perfect for extended typing sessions with its smooth and subtle keystrokes. The Jupiter Banana is characterized by its polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant feel, while the Yanyu is described as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Jupiter Banana providing a strong return and softer backlight effects, and the Yanyu offering a crisp sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$2.80 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct advantages and characteristics. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yanyu switch utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that produces a pleasant, bright sound profile without being too sharp. Both switches prioritize sound quality, but the Jupiter Banana leans towards clarity and resonance, while the Yanyu leans towards a more rounded and mellow tone.

When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the Jupiter Banana and Yanyu switches become more pronounced. The Jupiter Banana uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch incorporates the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. The choice of bottom housing material impacts the overall feel and sound experience of the switch, with the Jupiter Banana emphasizing a duller and rounder sound compared to the Yanyu's more vibrant tone.

While the Gateron Jupiter Banana and SP-Star Yanyu switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both prioritize sound quality and aesthetics. The clarity and resonance of the polycarbonate top housing in the Jupiter Banana contrast with the brighter and unique blend of materials in the Yanyu's top housing. Similarly, the differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches lead to distinct sound profiles, with the Jupiter Banana offering a deeper sound experience compared to the more vibrant tone of the Yanyu. Overall, both switches provide excellent options for users seeking high-quality sound and tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu has a light bottom out force of 43 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued. While the actuation force of the Yanyu is unknown, it is clear that it is lighter than the Jupiter Banana switch. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the SP-Star Yanyu switch, while individuals seeking a more robust typing feel may prefer the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Banana has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yanyu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Jupiter Banana's 3.4 mm travel distance would provide a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, the Yanyu's longer 4 mm travel distance may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, which is preferred by those looking for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Jupiter Banana providing a shorter and quicker travel distance, while the Yanyu offers a longer and more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound or a neutral and thocky sound, both switches offer different audio experiences that can enhance your typing satisfaction.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a mild and feathery typing feel, with gentle resistance and light actuation force for comfortable extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on smoothness and the Yanyu prioritizing lightness and comfort.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, the Yanyu offers a neutral and thocky sound paired with a mild and feathery typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, even though they offer distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile and high-pitched sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience with a neutral or thocky sound profile, the Yanyu linear switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more