TTC Gold Red vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance, providing a subtle yet satisfying feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out force and distinctive clacky sound profile, enhanced by the extended 22mm spring for a bouncy typing sensation. While the Gold Red leans towards a more neutral and polished typing experience, the Jacaranda offers a more resonant and high-pitched feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but delving deeper into their specific characteristics and how they align with your typing preferences will help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda feature polycarbonate top housings, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The similarities in polycarbonate housing between the two switches suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic benefits when using either one.
On the other hand, the Gold Red and Jacaranda diverge in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Gold Red featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Jacaranda also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, emphasizing the classic switch material's ability to enhance typing experience with a richer and more muted sound compared to harder plastic alternatives. This contrast in bottom housing material indicates a potential difference in typing feel and sound between the two switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While the top housing affects the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. By considering the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch's housing design, users can select the switch that best suits their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, which has an actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams, while the Jacaranda needs 45 grams. Both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The slight difference in force between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing, with the Gold Red providing a slightly firmer typing experience. However, for users who prefer a lighter touch, either switch would provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired force required for typing tasks.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Jacaranda has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red. The Gold Red with its 4 mm travel distance would provide a more traditional key feel, while the Jacaranda with a 3.5 mm travel distance would offer a slightly shallower key press. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Jacaranda with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Red with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Gold Red being slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Jacaranda.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gold Red linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp feedback with every press. The Jacaranda's resonant sound profile adds an immersive auditory experience, while the Gold Red's neutral sound profile provides a more versatile option suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in sound characteristics.
Moving on to the feel, both the Gold Red and Jacaranda switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The Gold Red switch also boasts a mild and subtle typing feel, with a refined and polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of key travel. In contrast, the Jacaranda switch emphasizes its silkiness, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Gold Red switch provides a gentler typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the Jacaranda switch stands out with its extended 22mm spring that imparts a uniquely bouncy sensation to each keystroke.
Considering all the available information, newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches can expect a buttery smooth typing experience from the TTC Gold Red linear switch, accompanied by a neutral and thocky sound profile. Alternatively, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a distinct typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, complemented by its silky smooth feel and exceptional ease on the fingers. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ultimately providing a diverse range of options for keyboard enthusiasts to explore. In terms of overall performance and typing experience, users can anticipate similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort with either of these switches, tailored to their individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light-medium level of resistance with a buttery smooth feel and a neutral, low-pitched sound, the Gold Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a notably easy on the fingers typing experience with a bouncy sensation, a clacky, high-pitched sound, and a silky smooth feel, then the Jacaranda switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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