Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the PH Studio Yoel offer unique features to cater to different preferences. 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 Yoel from PH Studio is a linear switch that offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Jupiter Banana is polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, the Yoel is described as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles; 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

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$2.80 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. With both switches using the same material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using these switches.

However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to nylon. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housings influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, their use of different bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. Users looking for a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the Jupiter Banana with its nylon bottom housing, while those seeking a deeper and more muted sound may opt for the Yoel with its POM bottom housing. Ultimately, personal preference and typing experience will dictate which switch is the better choice for each individual.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Jupiter Banana has a slightly heavier actuation force at 59 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making the Yoel the lighter option. When it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana requires 69 grams of force, while the Yoel only requires 60 grams. This makes the Yoel the lighter option overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yoel switch, as it offers a smoother keystroke with less force required. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Jupiter Banana has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the slight difference may still be noticeable to some users. Gamers seeking faster response times may lean towards the Yoel with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, providing a responsive typing experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant profile, delivering a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound, with a pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in keyboard typing experiences. Choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a higher-pitched, resonant sound or a bright, clacky profile.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Jupiter Banana and the Yoel offer a creamy and polished typing experience. This means that they provide a smooth and refined keypress, reducing friction and ensuring a silky sensation while typing. Whether it's due to factory lubing or specific materials used in manufacturing, these switches offer an effortless typing experience that allows fingers to glide across the keys with ease. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of feel would largely come down to personal preference or whether individual typing style leans towards a particular smoothness or refinement.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch each bring their unique sound and feel qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches offer a creamy and polished typing experience, they differ in their sound profiles, with the Jupiter Banana being high-pitched and resonant, while the Yoel is characterized by a bright and clacky sound. Whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences and the desired typing feel and sound profile.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch known for its precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana could provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch that offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. The Yoel also offers a clacky and marbly sound profile along with a creamy and polished typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound characteristics.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more