Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, a distinctive contrast emerges. The Jupiter Banana is celebrated for its tactile feedback, high-precision molds, and softer backlight effects, while the MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response, linear action, and low spring resistance. The Jupiter Banana falls under the categories of being 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is characterized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', emphasizing speed and minimal delay for gamers. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs - whether it be for typing comfort or gaming performance. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, we see that the Jupiter Banana utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the MX Speed Silver uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. While both materials have their distinct qualities, the choice between them may depend on personal preference for sound and aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Jupiter Banana and the MX Speed Silver feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite being the same material, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant, highlighting the importance of considering all aspects of the housing materials in switch selection.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Speed Silver play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the difference lies in their top housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Jupiter Banana has a higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's lighter 30 grams force. Additionally, the Jupiter Banana has a bottom out force of 69 grams, while the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. The Jupiter Banana provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter touch. This means that the Jupiter Banana may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the MX Speed Silver may be preferred by those who value a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and can impact user preference based on personal typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is equal, both measuring at 3.4 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation point for both switches. With the same travel distance, neither switch has an advantage over the other in terms of key travel. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a standard distance in which the keys travel from top to bottom. Whether typing on a keyboard with the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, users can expect to feel the same level of key travel and actuation point.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, resulting in a deep and satisfying tone when keys are pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a sharper sound and the MX Speed Silver providing a deeper tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. It provides a sleek sensation while typing, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which may indicate a noticeable friction when keys are pressed. While the Jupiter Banana focuses on a smooth and buttery experience, the MX Speed Silver offers a different tactile feedback with its textured sensation.
Taking into consideration both sound and feel aspects, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, emphasizing a sharp and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel, offering a deep and tactile typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Cherry MX Speed Silver will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and high-precision molds, opt for the Jupiter Banana. This switch is great for those who prefer a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instantaneous key presses with a linear action and low spring resistance, the MX Speed Silver is the way to go. This switch is ideal for gamers seeking rapid response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to whether you prefer a tactile typing experience or prioritize speed and responsiveness. Consider your sound and feel preferences as well, as they can also play a role in your decision-making process.
Mentioned in this article
