Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences for users. 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 Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience ideal for professional settings. While the Jupiter Banana is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', the Mountain Top is described as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. When choosing between these switches, consider whether you value a tactile typing experience or a quiet and discreet one. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mountain Top both feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. When typing on switches that use nylon, users can expect a more muted and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This results in a smoother typing experience overall, with less of a sharp impact when keys are pressed down.
In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of the plastic. This creates a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience throughout. While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, users may prefer the sharper sound of the Jupiter Banana or the deeper sound of the Mountain Top based on their personal preferences.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Gateron Mountain Top offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Jupiter Banana featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Mountain Top featuring a nylon top housing. While the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound, the top housings differ in material and sound characteristics. Users can expect a crisper and higher-pitched sound from the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate top housing, while the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile or a deeper tone, both switches deliver quality typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Mountain Top switch. The Jupiter Banana requires 59 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 69 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch only needs 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. This means that the Jupiter Banana will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Mountain Top will offer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Jupiter Banana or the Mountain Top, you can expect a consistent key press experience in terms of travel distance. Despite having different tactile characteristics, the travel distance remains the same for both switches, ensuring a similar typing feel regardless of which option you choose. The similarity in travel distance between these two Gateron switches makes them a reliable choice for those looking for a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound that can be immersive and clean. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various purposes, whether at home or in a professional setting. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience, with the Jupiter Banana offering a more distinct and resonant sound compared to the Mountain Top's neutral and subdued sound signature.
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 for a sleek sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing feel, giving users a range of tactile feedback options to suit their preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, with the Jupiter Banana emphasizing smoothness and refinement, while the Mountain Top focuses on responsiveness and comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing experience, while the Mountain Top offers a neutral sound profile with a range of tactile feedback options for a comfortable and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If a specific quality is desired, such as a gentle resistance or a lively bounce, users can select the corresponding switch to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing feel, the Jupiter Banana tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, or subtle typing feel, the Mountain Top linear switch may be more suitable, especially for office environments requiring a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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