Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Jupiter Banana from Gateron is praised for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, creating a tactile typing experience with a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a satisfying typing feel. While the Jupiter Banana is known for its polished and high-pitched characteristics, the Cold Plum offers a distinct sound profile with its fully nylon construction. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cold Plum, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Jupiter Banana's polycarbonate offers a clearer and more resonant sound, the Cold Plum's nylon provides a duller and rounder sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the Jupiter Banana and the Cold Plum use nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile and absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, creating a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch being used.
Overall, the contrast between the top housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Outemu Cold Plum brings about distinct sound profiles – with the Jupiter Banana offering a sharper, more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housing materials results in a consistent typing experience for both switches, as the softer plastic absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound or a deeper sound while typing, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a slightly lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Cold Plum, but both have a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that while the Cold Plum may require a slightly firmer initial push, both switches will feel equally heavy once fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Jupiter Banana may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cold Plum. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar level of resistance that can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke, the Gateron Jupiter Banana may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more abrupt feel when typing may lean towards the Outemu Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience that some users may find appealing. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is currently unavailable. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard design and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Jupiter Banana is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch are not provided. Both switches may offer a pleasant typing sensation, but the Jupiter Banana is specifically noted for its silky and buttery feel that glides effortlessly with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch stands out for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as its polished and creamy typing experience. While information on the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is limited, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall typing setup when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Jupiter Banana or the Cold Plum, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a softer backlight effect, strong return, and consistent feel, the Jupiter Banana might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and a distinct typing experience, the Cold Plum could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and a polished, creamy typing experience, the Jupiter Banana may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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