HMX Hibiscus vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. Two standout options are the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Jacaranda, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force and smooth, pristine response, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a nearly effortless typing experience. Its distinctively clacky, poppy sound signature adds a touch of acoustic delight to each keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, offers a comfortable bottom-out force of 43.5g, ensuring minimal finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its clacky and crisp feedback, combined with a unique 22mm extended spring that delivers a bouncy sensation, can create an engaging typing experience that many users find appealing. Ultimately, both switches provide their own set of advantages, appealing to different styles of typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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 it comes to housing materials, the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Jacaranda differ significantly in their top housings, which results in contrasting sound profiles. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing that is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jacaranda incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, ultimately delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer structure of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity but also resonates differently, making it particularly advantageous for setups with RGB lighting due to its light-passing qualities. This distinct differentiation between the materials used for the top housing yields varying experiences in terms of sound, fostering unique user preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Hibiscus and Jacaranda are constructed from nylon, which reveals an interesting convergence in their sound characteristics. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key switch, the shared use of nylon means that both models will impart a deeper and fuller typing experience. This uniformity in materials results in a strong sense of consistency between the two switches when it comes to how they feel during key presses, emphasizing the cushioned softness that nylon provides. Consequently, while their top housings produce contrasting auditory effects, the bottom housings ensure that users experience a similarity in tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of each model provides an intriguing mixture of auditory experiences. While the Hibiscus's nylon top creates a more subdued sound profile, its nylon bottom retains the richness of that deeper tone. Conversely, the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top provides a bright and resonant sound, yet its nylon bottom echoes a plush typing experience. Therefore, the choice between these two models might come down to a preference for sound profile and aesthetic appeal, as both keyboards yield superior comfort and performance thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing. The interplay between top and bottom materials creates a versatile typing experience, catering to the specific desires of different users while retaining elements of familiarity.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but the Hibiscus is slightly heavier overall. Specifically, the Hibiscus has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Jacaranda for longer typing sessions, whereas those who favor a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Hibiscus for its slightly stronger push. Both switches, however, provide a smooth typing experience and would likely yield similar results for users who appreciate lighter actuation forces but differ in the degree of resistance offered during both actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that users will experience the same amount of key movement when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance suggests that the performance, in terms of key feel and responsiveness, will also be similar for both switches, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Consequently, whether one opts for the Hibiscus or the Jacaranda, the tactile feedback and depth of key engagement will remain uniform.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 sound profile of the HMX Hibiscus switch is noted for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy characteristics, contributing to a joyful auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda also leans towards the clacky side, with a sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, accompanied by a rich, high-pitched resonance. Both switches provide a distinct auditory feedback that can be considered appealing to users who enjoy a more vibrant typing environment. While both switches excel in their sound profiles, the specific auditory nuances may vary based on the keyboard they are used with and the keycap choices, which can add to or alter the overall sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, ensuring a pristine typing experience that many users crave. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch boasts a silky feel, characterized by an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Hibiscus appears to offer a more generally smooth experience, the Jacaranda distinguishes itself with its unique bounciness provided by an extended 22mm spring, which enhances the overall tactile feel, making each keystroke feel weightless and effortless.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches present unique yet comparable qualities in sound and feel. The Hibiscus offers a clacky sound with an incredibly smooth typing experience, while the Jacaranda emphasizes a similarly clacky auditory profile with an exceptional silky feel and added bounciness. For those seeking to enjoy the benefits of either switch, it's clear that both provide an engaging and pleasant typing experience, each appealing to different preferences while maintaining enough similarities to ensure satisfaction across the board.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering between the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience paired with an engagingly clacky sound profile, the Hibiscus is likely your best bet. Its lightweight nature and satisfying auditory feedback make it suitable for both casual typing and gaming scenarios where you enjoy a bit of flair with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you desire a switch that is especially gentle on the fingers and provides a unique bouncy sensation with each press, the Jacaranda is the way to go. Its distinct sound profile and silky feel are tailored for those who seek a more fatigue-free typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or content creation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the specific tactile response and auditory feedback that resonates with you, ensuring that you enjoy each moment spent on your keyboard.
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