Huano Grape Orange vs. PH Studio Jacaranda

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, many enthusiasts weigh their options carefully to find the perfect fit for their typing style and preferences. The Huano Grape Orange switch is renowned for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions and seek an effortless keypress experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 43.5g, paired with a distinctively bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm spring. While the Jacaranda provides a clacky and resonant sound signature that can enhance feedback during use, the Grape Orange focuses purely on comfort and ease, catering to users who value a smooth and quiet experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Grape Orange for those who crave minimal resistance and fatigue-free typing, and the Jacaranda for users who enjoy lively, audible keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the PH Studio Jacaranda share notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from this material's capacity to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, its presence in the top housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Furthermore, both switches utilize a translucent design that enhances RGB lighting, making the illumination appear more vibrant and dynamic. This similarity in material choice means that users can expect comparable auditory experiences when engaging with their respective switches, as the properties of polycarbonate are consistent across both models.

On the flip side, the bottom housings of these two switches diverge, with both employing nylon, which presents an entirely different acoustic character. Nylon, known for being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic impacts the typing experience significantly; while the top housing influences the sound on key release, the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Consequently, despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, users will experience a distinct auditory quality that complements the clarity produced by the polycarbonate top.

In essence, the construction of both the Grape Orange and Jacaranda switches exemplifies how varying materials lead to a diverse sound palette. The combination of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for an elevated and pronounced sound during key release, while the nylon in the bottom housing yields a rounder and fuller sound upon activation. This strategic use of differing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that can adapt to users' preferences, offering them the clear, resonant highs of polycarbonate alongside the softer, more muted lows of nylon, ultimately resulting in a balanced auditory profile.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both feature light forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during extended periods of use or gaming. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda has a slightly lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches provide a soft touch, the Jacaranda is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, requiring just a bit less pressure to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Grape Orange's bottom out force is heavier, meaning it requires more effort to press all the way down compared to the Jacaranda. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch experience may lean toward the Jacaranda, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance when bottoming out could prefer the Grape Orange.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter of the two, albeit by a minimal margin. The relatively close distances suggest that users seeking a fast response time will notice only a slight difference in feel between the two switches. For gamers who prioritize quicker actuation, the Jacaranda may provide a slight edge due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Grape Orange. Overall, while both switches cater to the modern trend of shorter travel distances, the Grape Orange offers a marginally deeper experience, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more feedback from their switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch offers a muted sound profile that supports a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch boasts a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by a crisp and bright resonance with each keystroke. This auditory feedback can be appealing to typists who appreciate a more engaging sound environment, but it may not be suitable for those who prefer a silent setup. While the Grape Orange leans towards being more subdued, the Jacaranda provides a sharp, punchy sound that can make typing feel more dynamic.

When examining the feel of each switch, the Grape Orange excels with its ultra-light 40g actuation force, delivering a light and responsive typing experience that helps to prevent finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This switch is designed for effortless keystrokes, which is especially beneficial for users who find themselves typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, with its slightly higher actuation force of 43.5g and an extended 22mm spring, introduces a bounciness that can enhance the typing experience. Its silky smooth feel allows for quick and easy key presses, while the added bounce contributes to a lively and enjoyable tactile response. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, but the Grape Orange offers a more low-effort experience, whereas the Jacaranda combines smoothness with a provided bounce.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches cater to different aspects of typing satisfaction. The Grape Orange is perfect for those seeking a silent and lightweight typing experience, while the Jacaranda shines with its clacky sound and the unique bounce created by its longer spring, providing a more tactile engagement. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style, but both will result in an enjoyable and efficient typing experience tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you prioritize an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, especially for lengthy writing sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice with its ultra-low 40g actuation force and user-friendly bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch is designed for minimal finger strain and provides a smooth, uninterrupted feel that suits long-term use. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that not only feels responsive but also delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, the Jacaranda would be more suitable for you. With its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, unique bouncy sensation from the extended 22mm spring, and clacky sound profile, it offers a lively typing experience that can make your keystrokes feel engaging and enjoyable. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value the light, fatigue-free typing of the Grape Orange or the bouncy, auditory-rich experience that the Jacaranda provides.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Jacaranda Linear

$3.90

$3.30 per 10

Learn more