Gateron Aliaz vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch. The Aliaz switch is perfect for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight that gives each keystroke a substantial feel without the noise. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch by PH Studio boasts a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions with a clacky sound profile. While the Aliaz switch is known for its polished and muted feel, the Jacaranda switch stands out for its bouncy sensation and resonant feedback. These characteristics make each switch suitable for different user preferences and typing habits. 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
60g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and PH Studio Jacaranda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
The differentiation in housing materials between the Aliaz and Jacaranda switches results in distinct typing experiences. With the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing influencing the key release sound and feel, users can expect a sharp and clear sound when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. The contrast between the two materials highlights the importance of considering how each component contributes to the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose a switch that aligns with their preferences in sound and feel.
While the Gateron Aliaz and PH Studio Jacaranda switches offer different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both prioritize creating an optimal typing experience. The Aliaz's polycarbonate housing focuses on producing a sharp, high-pitched sound profile with clear resonance, particularly suited for RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the Jacaranda's nylon housing aims to deliver a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound vibrations, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics, highlighting the versatility of different housing materials in customizing the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, one significant difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time. The Aliaz switch provides a stronger push feel, catering to those who prefer a more significant typing experience, while the Jacaranda switch offers a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different advantages based on personal preference, with the Aliaz offering a longer travel distance and the Jacaranda providing a slightly shorter distance for a quicker typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted quality, creating a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive, elevating the auditory feedback with each keystroke. While these sound profiles may differ, it's important to note that the overall sound produced can also be influenced by the keyboard, keycaps, and other factors.
In terms of feel, both the Aliaz and Jacaranda switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The Aliaz switch provides a medium-heavy weight feel, delivering a substantial feedback with each key press. Meanwhile, the Jacaranda switch is noted for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it easy on the fingers and minimizing fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches ensure a smooth and refined typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Aliaz switch excels in providing a quiet and pronounced tactile feedback, the Jacaranda switch stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy sensation. Depending on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard, you can achieve similar smoothness with either switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz or the PH Studio Jacaranda switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you require a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a more substantial typing feedback, the Aliaz tactile switch may be the better option for you, especially if you value a quieter typing experience in environments like an office. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press and a bouncy typing sensation, the Jacaranda linear switch with its extended spring may be more suitable, particularly if you enjoy a crisp and clacky sound profile while typing. In the end, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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