HMX Deep Navy vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Jacaranda are two compelling linear options that offer distinct experiences. The Deep Navy switches are renowned for their full nylon construction, delivering a rich sound profile that immerses you in a smooth typing experience, complemented by their silky Ly stem. In contrast, the Jacaranda, produced by KTT, boasts a gentle bottom-out force of just 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers while providing a clacky and crisp feedback that keeps your senses engaged. The Jacaranda's unique 22mm extended spring adds a bouncy feel to each keystroke, enhancing your overall typing comfort. While both switches cater to those who prefer a linear feel, their sound profiles and tactile sensations set them apart in this vibrant landscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Jacaranda, notable differences are evident in the top housing materials used. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon’s softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound and creates a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate result in a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize an enhanced audio experience, especially in setups where RGB lighting is involved.
Despite the differences in the top housing, both the HMX Deep Navy and PH Studio Jacaranda share a commonality in their bottom housing—the use of nylon. This shared material means that both switches will exhibit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. Since nylon absorbs sound effectively, the tactile experience of typing on both switches will be perceived as round and muted. Consequently, although the top housings create contrasting sound profiles, the overall bottom housing performance remains consistent, ensuring that users will still appreciate the characteristics associated with nylon when engaging with each switch.
The interplay of the different materials in the top and bottom housings of both switches plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience. In the case of the HMX Deep Navy, the combination of a nylon top and bottom housing emphasizes a cohesive sound profile that leans towards warmth and depth. Meanwhile, the PH Studio Jacaranda, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, creates a distinctive experience where the crispness of the polycarbonate is balanced by the soft, absorbed characteristics of the nylon below. This dynamic means that users can expect a unique sound signature from each switch—one leaning towards a fuller sound from the Deep Navy and the other towards a sharper audio experience with the Jacaranda—while still enjoying the consistent tactile feedback of nylon in both.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, both exhibit a relatively similar performance profile in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing choices for users who prefer lighter switches. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Jacaranda is slightly lighter at 39 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out, although the Jacaranda may feel slightly lighter during the initial actuation. Those seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Jacaranda for its marginally lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, both switches offer a comparable bottom out force, ensuring that no significant difference in overall pressure is felt when pressing down fully.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jacaranda measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Deep Navy offers a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper feel as opposed to the more responsive yet abrupt experience offered by the Jacaranda. Gamers, who often prefer quicker actuation for enhanced response times, might lean towards the Jacaranda for its shorter travel distance. In contrast, users seeking a more traditional and hearty keypress would likely favor the Deep Navy. Despite their proximity in measurement, the distinction in travel distance could influence personal preferences based on individual typing styles and gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The HMX Deep Navy switch is known for its rich, sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, one can infer that its design contributes to a clean and pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch provides a distinctly clacky sound signature that showcases crisp, bright, and percussive qualities. This switch's sound is characterized by a higher-pitched resonance, making it more pronounced during typing. Compared to the Deep Navy, the Jacaranda offers a more dynamic auditory feedback, likely appealing to those who enjoy more pronounced sounds.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy's properties are not explicitly described; however, given its silky smoothness, one can anticipate a fluid and effortless typing experience. The Jacaranda switch, on the other hand, boasts an exceptionally silky feel with its 43.5g bottom-out force, providing a gentle and fatigue-free typing experience. This ease of actuation is complemented by the switch's unique 22mm extended spring, which offers a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, thereby enhancing the typing dynamics compared to the more standard linear feel of the Deep Navy.
In summary, while both the HMX Deep Navy and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches aim to provide smooth performance, they diverge in sound and tactile characteristics. The Deep Navy offers a rich yet unspecified acoustic quality alongside a smooth typing experience, while the Jacaranda is distinguished by its crisp, clacky sound and exceptionally bouncy tactile feel. If you’re drawn to a more immersive auditory environment and a notably lighter typing experience, the Jacaranda switch may be the superior choice, though both switches can ultimately deliver satisfying results depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, your choice should ultimately reflect your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a rich, smooth typing experience with a sound profile that is more mellow, the Deep Navy may be your ideal choice. Its silky smoothness and full nylon construction offer a delightful tactile experience that many users find pleasing for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you are inclined towards a more lively and crisp auditory experience, the Jacaranda offers a clacky sound that is bright and percussive, making each keystroke feel engaging. Coupled with its gentler bottom-out force and a uniquely bouncy sensation due to the 22mm spring, the Jacaranda is excellent for long typing sessions where comfort and responsiveness are paramount. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a smooth, subdued experience or a more dynamic and lively one, as both switches perform admirably within their respective strengths.
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