Kailh Box White V2 vs. PH Studio Jacaranda

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of clicky versus linear options, exemplified by the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Jacaranda. The Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and distinct audible click, making it a go-to choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced response with every keystroke. This switch offers a vibrant typing experience, perfect for those who thrive in an engaging auditory environment. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, shines with its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, encouraging fatigue-free typing with a silky and resonant sound profile. This linear switch features an extended 22mm spring that imparts a delightful bounce, enhancing the overall feel and comfort during long typing sessions. Each switch has its appeal, with the Kailh Box White V2 attracting those who crave clicky feedback, while the Jacaranda appeals to users seeking plush, smooth strokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Jacaranda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which influences their acoustic characteristics significantly. The choice of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This similarity stems from the inherent properties of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic, which provides a clear and resonant tone when a key is pressed. Additionally, because both models incorporate translucency from polycarbonate, they effectively enhance RGB lighting visibility, allowing the aesthetic appeal of the switches to shine through. This common use of polycarbonate in the top housing suggests that users can expect similar auditory experiences, making the switches a great choice for enthusiasts seeking clear sound signatures complemented by vibrant lighting.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate top housing in terms of its acoustic impact. Nylon's classification as a softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. This divergence in materials for the top and bottom housings ensures that while both switches share some auditory qualities, they also possess distinct characteristics; the Kailh Box White V2 offers a pronounced, bright sound from the top while providing a rounded base sound from the nylon bottom. This interplay means that each switch's sonic signature will differ from the top out to when the key bottoms out, giving users a multifaceted typing experience.

Ultimately, despite their variations, the structural similarities between the Kailh Box White V2 and PH Studio Jacaranda can yield a harmonized typing experience. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a unique acoustic profile for each switch. Users can appreciate the clarity of the polycarbonate when actuating a key and the fullness of the nylon upon bottoming out. Therefore, even with distinct characteristics in their sound profiles, both switches leverage a shared foundation of materials that allow users to experience a balanced sound, letting them enjoy the best of both worlds in terms of auditory feedback and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, we see distinctions in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda offers a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Jacaranda the lighter switch overall, which may favor users looking for ease during longer typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the Box White V2 provides a heavier actuation and bottom out experience that some users prefer for a more substantial tactile feel. The varying weights reflect distinct user preferences: lighter switches like the Jacaranda are often chosen for comfort in prolonged use, while heavier switches cater to those who enjoy a firmer typing feedback. Thus, while both switches are relatively light compared to many on the market, the Jacaranda holds the edge in terms of a softer touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, there is a slight difference favoring the Box White V2. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jacaranda measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter option by just 0.1 mm. Those who prefer the shorter travel distance, like that of the Jacaranda, may find it to provide a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gaming. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial depth to their key presses might prefer the longer travel distance of the Box White V2, as it offers a bit more travel for a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches fall within a similar range, this small difference can influence user preference based on desired feedback and response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its distinct click, providing a satisfying and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clicky sound is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a traditional mechanical keyboard experience, where the noise adds a layer of confirmation and tactile satisfaction to their typing. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. This sound adds a lively atmosphere to typing sessions, characterized by a high-pitched resonance that offers a clean auditory experience. While both switches provide audible feedback, the Box White V2 has a more definitive and sharp click, whereas the Jacaranda offers a clack that might appeal to those who prefer a brighter acoustic profile.

When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback, which can enhance typing precision with each click. Unfortunately, specific details about its overall tactile experience aren’t provided, leaving a gap in comparing its unique tactile response against the Jacaranda. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is designed for a smooth and silky feel that minimizes resistance during typing. Its extended spring provides a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, allowing for rapid typing without significant fatigue. This smoothness is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, as it promotes a more effortless experience.

In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Jacaranda each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 excels in providing a clicky and crisp sound that evokes a traditional typing experience, while the Jacaranda enfolds users in a clacky auditory profile with a notably smooth tactile feel. The differences in sound and feel make each switch appealing to distinct typing styles; if one seeks auditory confirmation with a tactile response, the Box White V2 is ideal, while those who prioritize smoothness with lively sound may prefer the Jacaranda. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, the decision between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy tactile feedback and the satisfying sound of an audible click while typing, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its crisp click sound and responsive 50-gram bottom-out force can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate feedback in every keystroke, especially during coding or gaming sessions that demand precision and clarity. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience, the Jacaranda linear switch may be more suited to your needs. With its lighter 43.5-gram force and silky smooth action, it allows for fast, fatigue-free typing—ideal for long writing sessions or if you work in a noise-sensitive environment. The Jacaranda also offers a unique bouncy feel due to its extended spring, which can enhance overall comfort during use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you want the auditory and tactile engagement of the Box White V2 or the seamless and smooth efficiency of the Jacaranda.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn more