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Gateron Jupiter Banana vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, it is evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a creamy and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch boasts a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and satisfying. While the Jupiter Banana may appeal to those seeking a polished and high-pitched feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is perfect for individuals who prefer an accented, bouncy, and sharp 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

45g

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

3.20 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

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 single-stage spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the difference lies in their top housing material. The Jupiter Banana utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's top housing is also made of nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its bottom housing.

While both switches have unique qualities in their housing materials, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Jupiter Banana sets it apart from the WS Heavy Tactile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. This creates a visually appealing experience for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's all-nylon housing might appeal to those who prefer a more consistent sound profile throughout the switch. The softer nature of nylon in both the top and bottom housing contributes to a more muted and unified sound when typing.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. The contrasting housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon offer different sound profiles, with the Jupiter Banana providing a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffer top housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound with its softer nylon housing. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a softer, fuller sound without the visual effects, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Banana has a slightly higher actuation force of 59 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams, but both have a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the WS Heavy Tactile is lighter to initially press, while the Jupiter Banana requires a bit more force to actuate. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches will provide a similar experience as they both require the same amount of force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier touch is preferred.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Jupiter Banana offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.

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 switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound that can be quite immersive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, resulting in a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Banana leaning towards a cleaner and sharper sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more percussive and bright sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, along with a bouncy and snappy feel that provides a lively sensation and pronounced feedback. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the Jupiter Banana focusing on smoothness and buttery feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more pronounced and responsive typing sensation.

Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Banana and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jupiter Banana excels in providing a high-pitched and polished sound, coupled with a creamy and smooth feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky and invigorating sound, along with a sharp and bouncy feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 69 grams with a smoother and refined typing experience, enhanced by softer backlight effects and a two-stage spring mechanism for consistent feel, then the Jupiter Banana may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bottom out force of 70 grams with a profound tactile experience, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound from nylon housings, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy feel (Jupiter Banana) or a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound with a combination of accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel (WS Heavy Tactile). Consider your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire when making your selection between these two tactile switches.

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