Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Piano offer distinct experiences for users. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch popular 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 Durock Piano is a linear switch known for its proprietary material blend, offering a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Jupiter Banana is polished, high-pitched, and resonant, the Piano is bassy, frictionless, and silky. When choosing between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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

Durock Piano Linear

$2.80 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Jupiter Banana uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying sound profile. While the specific details of the POM blend are not disclosed, it is clear that both switches prioritize sound quality in different ways. However, both switches benefit from having top housings that enhance the sound experience for users, whether it be through the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of the POM blend.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture. On the other hand, the Durock Piano also features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that offers a uniquely satisfying sound experience. Although the exact details of this blend are unknown, it is evident that both switches prioritize creating a sound profile that is rich and resonant. The use of different bottom housing materials allows for a variety of sound experiences when typing on these switches, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the satisfying and deep sound profile of the POM blend.

Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Durock Piano results in switches that offer unique sound profiles to users. While the Jupiter Banana leans towards sharper and crisper sounds with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Durock Piano provides a deep and satisfying sound experience with its proprietary POM blend top and bottom housings. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound quality of a switch, and users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which does not have a specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Jupiter Banana is heavier at 69 grams, while the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Jupiter Banana requires less force to initiate a keystroke. This means that users may find it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock Piano linear switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Jupiter Banana may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Piano switch may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke feel. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile, producing deeper and richer tones with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Jupiter Banana catering to those who prefer a sharper sound and the Piano appealing to individuals looking for a more bass-heavy tone. However, the final sound produced will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience. With a smooth and refined finish, these switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. The Durock Piano linear switch, on the other hand, provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and maximizing fluidity during key presses. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, but the Jupiter Banana leans towards a more polished feel, while the Piano focuses on a frictionless and silky touch.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Banana provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing experience, the Durock Piano offers a bassy sound signature and a frictionless, silky touch. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound and typing sensation, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can achieve their desired tactile and auditory experience with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, high-precision molds, and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Banana may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile and a proprietary material blend, the Durock Piano could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more