Everglide Bamboo Green vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it's clear they each offer unique qualities for different typing experiences. The Bamboo Green is praised for its clacky sound signature and sharp tactility, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out force and extended spring, providing a smoother and bouncier typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a more comfortable and fatigue-free option. 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
43g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the PH Studio Jacaranda, the primary difference lies in their top housing. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Jacaranda uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to its functionality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bamboo Green also utilizes PBT material, offering a similar neutral sound profile as its top housing. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a rounder and duller sound compared to the crisper tone of the polycarbonate top housing. The choice between PBT and nylon bottom housings can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
Overall, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and PH Studio Jacaranda have different top and bottom housing materials, they both showcase unique characteristics that affect the sound profile of the switches. The PBT and polycarbonate top housings offer distinct qualities in sound, with PBT providing a neutral tone and polycarbonate delivering a sharper sound. Similarly, the PBT and nylon bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile, with PBT maintaining neutrality while nylon creates a fuller sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing experience and sound aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Bamboo Green has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Jacaranda has a lower actuation force of 39 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter-weight switch. The Bamboo Green provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, offering a tactile feel that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's lighter forces provide a smoother and lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green 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 Bamboo Green has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. This could be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jacaranda offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users looking for a faster response time. Both switches are within the traditional range for travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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, both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. While the Bamboo Green is known for a clacky sound signature, the Jacaranda also produces a clacky sound, adding a percussive and bright element to each keystroke. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but users can expect a similar overall sound experience from each switch.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is characterized by a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, offering a blend of mild pre-travel and post-travel with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The feedback intensity of these switches is notably strong and crisp, providing a distinctive tactile bump with every keypress. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch provides a silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the feel of the switches may differ due to their tactile and linear nature, users can expect a smooth and comfortable typing experience from both switches.
Overall, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bamboo Green is known for its clacky sound signature and stepped, accented feel, the Jacaranda stands out with its clacky sound, extended spring, and silky smooth typing experience. Whether a user prefers a tactile or linear switch, both options provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience that caters to different preferences. By considering the sound and feel characteristics of each switch, newcomers can choose the one that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a gentle bottom-out force and a unique bouncy sensation due to the extended spring, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch could be the one for you. Consider your typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness when making your decision between these two distinctive switches. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences that cater to varied preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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