Huano Acacia vs. PH Studio Jacaranda

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Jacaranda offer distinct experiences for users who prefer linear switches. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience right from the start, alongside minimal stem wobble that enhances its performance. In contrast, the Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, introduces a unique typing feel with its gentle bottom-out of 43.5 grams and an audible, clacky sound signature that many users find appealing. Its extended 22mm spring not only adds a bouncy sensation with each keystroke but also contributes to a fatigue-free typing experience. While both switches cater to those who appreciate linear feel and smoothness, their differing tactile feedback and sound characteristics may resonate differently with users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches both feature polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, making them quite similar in design and sound characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness allows for a more resonant audio experience, which becomes particularly pronounced when RGB lighting is employed due to the material's translucency. Both switches leverage this advantage, ensuring that users can enjoy vibrant lighting effects while maintaining a clear auditory feedback, thanks to the shared material in the top housing.

In contrast to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing in both switches gives a different auditory experience that is deeper and fuller. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, producing a duller and rounder sound profile that contrasts with the bright clarity of polycarbonate. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. This combination of materials in both the Acacia and Jacaranda provides a unique balance, allowing users to experience the nuances of sound at different stages of key interaction.

Ultimately, both the Huano Acacia and PH Studio Jacaranda offer similar acoustic results due to their identical material choices for housing. The synergy between polycarbonate and nylon results in a cohesive sound profile, where the impact of each material complements the other. The crispness provided by the polycarbonate top is harmoniously contrasted by the plush depth of the nylon bottom, illustrating how these two switches can yield a satisfying typing experience despite their brand distinctions. Users can expect similar auditory feedback and tactile experiences across both switch types, ensuring consistency for enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jacaranda boasts a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it definitively light. This means that typists or gamers favoring a lighter touch may prefer the Jacaranda for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, with both switches, the Jacaranda experiences a more responsive feel due to its lower forces. The bottom out force also highlights the Jacaranda's lighter nature, as it requires less effort to press all the way down when compared to the Acacia. Overall, for users seeking a more substantial push, the Acacia offers a heavier tactile experience, while those wanting a gentler feel will gravitate towards the Jacaranda.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when pressing down on keys fitted with either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent experience across both switches, making them equally suitable for typists and gamers seeking a smooth keystroke. Given that both switches share the same measurement, it highlights how two different brands can achieve the same physical characteristics, potentially leading to similar user experiences in terms of keypress response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch’s auditory profile is characterized by its refined, muted tones, producing a soft and pleasant typing experience. It's designed to ensure minimal disruption, making it a solid choice for quiet environments. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a much more vibrant auditory experience with its distinctly clacky sound. Each keystroke on the Jacaranda produces a crisp and bright sound that is sharp and percussive, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This difference creates a significant contrast: while the Acacia is subtle and understated, the Jacaranda is lively and attention-grabbing.

In terms of feel, the Acacia switch excels with its medium-light weight and exceptional factory lubrication, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience straight from the box without the need for additional modification. The minimal stem wobble enhances this smoothness and contributes to a stable typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda’s extended 22mm spring provides a uniquely bouncy sensation that can make typing feel more dynamic and lively, while also ensuring that the keys are easy on the fingers with a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g. The silky feel of the Jacaranda further enhances this experience, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable.

In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel, they both offer unique advantages. The Acacia leans towards a quieter, smooth experience ideal for discretion, while the Jacaranda embraces a more vibrant auditory and tactile presence that can make typing feel more engaging. Choosing between them ultimately depends on the user’s priorities: whether one prefers a soft, subtle sound and feel, or a lively, responsive, and crisp experience. Each switch will deliver a satisfying typing experience, but the approach and ambiance they provide are distinctly different.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, consider your typing preferences and what kind of experience you’re aiming for. The Acacia, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and generous factory lubrication, is an excellent choice if you appreciate a robust yet comfortable feel right from the start. It's designed for those who want a switch that minimizes stem wobble while offering a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions or gaming where control is key. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that is incredibly gentle on your fingers, the Jacaranda might be the better route. With its lighter 45-gram spring and a unique bouncy sensation thanks to its extended 22mm spring, this switch not only provides a fatigue-free typing experience but also delivers a distinctly clacky and crisp sound profile that some users find invigorating. Ultimately, choose the Acacia for a more controlled yet smooth experience, or the Jacaranda if you prefer a lighter touch combined with a lively auditory feedback that adds a fun twist to your keyboard interactions.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn more