TTC Flaming Purple vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the PH Studio Jacaranda mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant character, with a slightly bassier sound signature that adds an engaging auditory flair to typing. With a feathery touch and a low bottom-out of just 47g, it provides a swift and effortless typing experience for enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out with its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, offering a fatigue-free typing experience with a clacky sound signature and a bouncy sensation from its extended 22mm spring. While the Flaming Purple is more 'bassy' and 'feathery', the Jacaranda leans towards being 'clacky' and 'high-pitched'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
42g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the PH Studio Jacaranda, it's clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share similar qualities in their top housing material, they differ in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, is used in both switches' bottom housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound upon typing.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the TTC Flaming Purple and the PH Studio Jacaranda diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a distinct typing experience by absorbing more sound and resulting in a deeper sound profile. This difference in material choice highlights the impact that the bottom housing has on the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the top housing may affect the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the PH Studio Jacaranda differ mainly in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing while both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. The differences in material lead to unique typing experiences, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, and polycarbonate contributing to a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the role that each housing material plays in the overall sound and feel of a switch can help in determining the type of typing experience one prefers when using mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, both switches are on the lighter side. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both of these switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be easily noticeable during regular use, as they both fall within the lighter end of the spectrum. Overall, users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches due to their relatively low actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, as they offer similar performance in terms of travel distance. In this case, both switches can provide a similar experience in terms of key feel and actuation, with neither being significantly shorter or longer than the other. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and how each individual user prefers the feel of their keyboard keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier and resonant sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp feedback with each keystroke. Both switches share a resonant characteristic, ensuring a clean and sharp sound profile overall. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a bassier or a clackier sound.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces strain on the fingers and enhances typing comfort. On the contrary, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch is also described as silky, emphasizing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and fatigue-free typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch leans towards a bassier sound and a feathery feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch excels in producing a clacky sound and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding sound profile and typing feel. However, both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring a satisfying performance for users seeking quality linear switches in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassier and resonant sound profile, along with a feathery and effortless typing experience, the Flaming Purple might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper and clackier sound with a bouncy typing sensation, and value a silky smooth typing feel, the Jacaranda could be the perfect match for you. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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