Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both offer unique features worth exploring. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds with finesse. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced by two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', and 'Stepped', the Jupiter Banana is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs; 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
58g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Jupiter Banana both use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which again contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in top housing materials gives each switch a unique sound signature that may appeal to different preferences.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, which results in a similar sound profile, the difference in their top housing materials sets them apart. The Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. The choice between these switches would depend on whether a user prefers a rounder, softer sound or a crisper, more articulate sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Banana's top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
Overall, the distinct sound profiles of the Durock Ice King Tactile and Gateron Jupiter Banana are a result of their different housing materials. The Ice King Tactile's combination of nylon top and bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Jupiter Banana's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics, users may choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches are quite similar, with the Ice King Tactile being slightly lighter in both aspects. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, while the Jupiter Banana has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy switches, providing a tactile typing experience with a noticeable resistance. The slight difference in weight between the two switches may not be significant enough to produce drastically different results, so users can expect similar tactile feedback when typing on either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. The Ice King Tactile switch is slightly longer, providing a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Jupiter Banana switch. Depending on personal preference, those who enjoy a more responsive feel may prefer the Jupiter Banana switch, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, allowing for a smooth and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
The Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Durock Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle and smooth auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, giving a sharper and crisper typing sound overall. Depending on personal preference, those who prefer a quieter typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, while those who enjoy a more pronounced sound may opt for the Jupiter Banana.
Moving on to feel, the Ice King Tactile switch is well-known for its silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished qualities, offering a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and a unique two-stage tactile feel. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch boasts a polished and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation akin to effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. Both switches excel in providing a luxurious and refined typing experience, with slight differences in tactile feedback that cater to individual preferences.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer premium tactile typing experiences with their unique qualities in sound and feel. While the Ice King Tactile provides a more subdued sound and a pronounced tactile bump, the Jupiter Banana offers a high-pitched sound and a softer backlight effect. Both switches are polished for smooth key travel and refined typing experiences, with slight variations in tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile, tactile feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a unique tactile experience that merges smoothness with a pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and a switch with a strong return and consistent feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
