Kailh Box Jade vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the PH Studio Jacaranda offer unique typing experiences. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing feel, clicky sound profile, and tactile feedback, making it an invigorating and accentuated option for typists who enjoy a crunchier typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda linear switch provides a gentle bottom-out force, resulting in a more fatigue-free typing experience. Its clacky sound profile and unique 22mm spring offer a silky and resonant typing sensation, elevating the overall feel of each keystroke. While the Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a more tactile and clicky typing experience, the Jacaranda is ideal for those looking for a smoother and bouncier feel while typing. 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
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the PH Studio Jacaranda are very similar, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. It also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for those looking to add visual flair to their keyboards. Additionally, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This makes typing on these switches a more satisfying and tactile experience.
One key difference between the two switches is the branding and design language associated with each. The Kailh Box Jade is known for its reliable performance and durability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda is associated with a more boutique and artisanal aesthetic, appealing to those looking for a unique and stylish option for their keyboards. Additionally, while both switches feature similar housing materials, the overall typing experience may vary slightly due to differences in design and construction.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Jade and the PH Studio Jacaranda share many similarities in terms of housing materials, there are subtle differences that may influence your decision when choosing between the two. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their polycarbonate top housings providing a sharp sound profile and nylon bottom housings offering a deep and satisfying feel. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference in terms of design, branding, and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a keyboard switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, which has an actuation force of 39 grams, making it lighter. The Box Jade also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Jacaranda has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Jade switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Jacaranda switch offers a lighter touch for typing for longer periods of time. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jacaranda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who are picky about their switch characteristics, it could make a difference in their typing experience. Despite the slight variance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback one desires in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, providing a sharp and percussive feedback with each keystroke. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a high-pitched and crunchy sound (Box Jade) or a clacky and resonant sound (Jacaranda).
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium-tactile experience with a pronounced feedback that is not overwhelming. In contrast, the Jacaranda switch is known for its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches excel in their tactile feedback in different ways, whether it's through a medium-tactile and invigorating experience (Box Jade) or a silky smooth typing sensation (Jacaranda).
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched, crunchy sound with an accented, invigorating feel, perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch offers a clacky, resonant sound and a silky smooth typing feel, ideal for those looking for a fatigue-free and bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you will receive a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the way to go. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda linear switch is the better choice. The extended 22mm spring in the Jacaranda adds a unique bouncy sensation to each keystroke, elevating the overall typing experience. Be mindful of the bottom out force as well - 60 grams for the Box Jade and 45 grams for the Jacaranda. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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