Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are two popular options that offer unique experiences. The Jupiter Banana is a tactile switch known for its high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and two-stage springs that ensure a strong return and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is a linear switch with a mesmerizing sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, thanks to its rich, bassy, and decadent sound. The Sunset Yellow also features a unique Ly stem, proprietary factory lube method, and a combination of short travel and a long-pole stem for a smoother and highly responsive typing experience. Overall, the Jupiter Banana excels in providing a tactile feedback, while the Sunset Yellow offers a smooth and luxurious typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
69g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sunset Yellow lies in their housing materials. The Jupiter Banana features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Banana uses a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow opts for a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to the deep and muted sound profile characteristic of the switch. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a pleasing sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Everglide Sunset Yellow play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. The polycarbonate and POM materials used in the top housings create distinct sound profiles, with the former providing a sharper tone and the latter offering a deeper sound. Likewise, the nylon and POM materials in the bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience by absorbing sound and enhancing the switch's sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preferences in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch reveals some differences in weight. The Jupiter Banana has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 69 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, giving a medium-light touch. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the Sunset Yellow for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier feel of the Jupiter Banana for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the variance in weight, both switches offer unique tactile feedback and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Banana. The difference of 0.2 mm may not seem significant, but for some users, it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel due to their slightly varied travel distances, but users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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
The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. While the Jupiter Banana leans towards a higher-pitched sound, the Sunset Yellow delivers a more bass-heavy typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can choose based on their preferred sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Jupiter Banana and the Sunset Yellow switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. Described as polished and creamy, these switches provide a sleek and refined key travel with reduced friction, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The Sunset Yellow switch also adds the descriptor of frictionless, indicating an even smoother typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches prioritize a luxurious typing feel, making them suitable for users who appreciate a premium tactile sensation while typing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer different sound profiles, they both provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Whether you prefer the high-pitched and resonant sound of the Jupiter Banana or the bassy and thocky sound of the Sunset Yellow, both switches ensure a premium tactile sensation with their polished and creamy key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a rich, bassy sound profile with a creamy typing feel, the Sunset Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing feel, the Jupiter Banana switch might suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features are most important to you and which switch aligns best with your typing preferences.
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