Bsun Pine vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch. The BSUN Pine switches are favored for their sharp tactile bump and fast action, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda offers a smooth bottom-out with a gentle 43.5g actuation force, making it easy on the fingers and perfect for extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the Jacaranda's extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy sensation to each keystroke, elevating the overall typing experience. While the Pine switch is known for its snappy and invigorating feel, the Jacaranda stands out with its clacky and resonant feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Bsun Pine and the PH Studio Jacaranda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings also provides a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that both the Pine and the Jacaranda will produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to the top housing.
However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Jacaranda also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Therefore, despite the difference in top housing, both switches provide a similar tactile and auditory experience due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Pine and the PH Studio Jacaranda differ in their top housing materials, they both offer a similar sound profile and typing experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing. The nylon bottom housing in both switches further enhances the typing experience by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, these two switches showcase how different housing materials can contribute to the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch have key differences. The Pine has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jacaranda's 39 grams, making the Jacaranda lighter in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Jacaranda's 45 grams. This means that the Pine requires a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, while the Jacaranda provides a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences when it comes to typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm compared to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch with a distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Pine's 3.4 mm distance may provide a slightly quicker response compared to the Jacaranda's 3.5 mm distance, but the difference may be minimal for most users. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Jacaranda's slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Pine switch is known for its sharp and direct tactile feedback, which may produce a clear and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and audible feedback with each key press. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Pine possibly leaning towards a crisper sound due to its tactile nature, while the Jacaranda offers a more pronounced clackiness that adds to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine switch is renowned for its sharp and accentuated tactile bump, delivering a highly tactile typing experience that is invigorating and snappy. Conversely, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance. While the Pine switch provides a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback, the Jacaranda switch focuses on providing a smoother typing experience, enhancing comfort and ease of use for extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the Bsun Pine and PH Studio Jacaranda switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways. The Pine switch excels in providing a sharp tactile bump and direct feedback, ideal for users seeking a more tactile typing experience, while the Jacaranda switch prioritizes smoothness and comfort, catering to those who prioritize ease of typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer quality typing experiences that can elevate your overall keyboard usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with sharp tactile feedback and fast action, the Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a gentle bottom-out, clacky sound profile, and a bouncy sensation thanks to the extended 22mm spring, the Jacaranda switch could be the better option. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prefer a sharp and distinct tactile bump or a smooth and silky typing experience, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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