PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Jade Rosales each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle bottom-out force of just 43.5g, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue. Its sound profile is distinctly clacky, providing a crisp auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, while the extended 22mm spring offers a delightful bounce that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches from XY Studio are the result of extensive refinement, featuring custom housings and lubrication techniques that culminate in a remarkably smooth keystroke. Described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy, the Jade Rosales is perfect for users seeking an ultra-smooth and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Jacaranda’s comfort and bounciness versus the Jade Rosales' smoothness and refined design will hinge on personal preference. 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
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The mountain of comparison between the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches highlights both their commonalities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant auditory experience. This design choice favors users who appreciate vibrant RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a similar acoustic quality when typing, further enhanced by visual aesthetics when illuminated.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models, contributing to distinct auditory profiles. The Jacaranda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound when typing, creating a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales incorporates a custom milky material for its bottom housing, a proprietary blend that may not have the same sound-absorbing qualities as nylon. This difference means that, while the two switches can produce similar sharpness and clarity from the top housing during key release, the bottom-out sound and typing feel will differ due to the inherent characteristics of the bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay of housing materials in both the Jacaranda and Jade Rosales creates unique yet sometimes comparable experiences. Where both switches shine in their top housing material fosters a crisp and resounding key release, the audible and tactile feedback during the key press is likely to feel and sound different due to the varying bottom housings. Users seeking a specific combination of sound profiles may gravitate towards one model over the other based on personal preference for the deeper resonance of nylon versus the unique qualities of the custom milky material. This results in two distinct experiences, though both appreciate the advantages of polycarbonate in their designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, while the Jade Rosales requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Jacaranda has a force of 45 grams, contrasted with the 53 grams of the Jade Rosales, making the Jacaranda not only lighter in actuation but also when bottoming out. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience that facilitates prolonged use may lean towards the Jacaranda, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel might find the Jade Rosales more satisfying with its heavier forces. Overall, the Jacaranda offers a more delicate touch, perfect for extended typing sessions, while the Jade Rosales caters to users seeking a firmer response.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch is 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel during keypresses. Since both switches share the same travel distance, you can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of key actuation depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is characterized as clacky, producing a crisp and sharp auditory feedback that is both bright and percussive. This sound profile not only enhances the typing experience but adds a level of auditory engagement that many users find rewarding. The Jacaranda also boasts a resonant quality, which can deliver a higher-pitched and clean sound, further elevating its uniqueness. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales shares similarities in sound, being described as clacky as well. Like the Jacaranda, it generates a snappy sound upon each keypress, reflecting a similar tonal quality. While both switches exhibit this clackiness, the overall acoustic experience can differ depending on the keyboard and keycap choices used.
In terms of feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda offers a silky typing sensation, which minimizes resistance and enhances the smoothness of each keystroke. This characteristic allows for less fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who type extensively. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales provides a bounciness that lends a lively, spring-like feedback to each press, creating a sense of energy during typing. Additionally, it delivers a creamy texture, likened to a buttery experience that feels seamless as fingers glide across the keys. The Jacaranda's silky feel contrasts nicely with the Jade Rosales' bouncy and creamy attributes, offering distinct tactile sensations that cater to different preferences.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches present engaging experiences with their unique sound and feel profiles. While they share the clacky sound signature, they diverge in tactile sensation, with the Jacaranda emphasizing smoothness and the Jade Rosales focusing on bounciness and creaminess. Choosing between the two largely depends on personal preference, as either switch can provide satisfying auditory feedback and feel, making a mechanical keyboard setup enjoyable and tailored to individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you value most in a switch. If you prefer a lighter actuation force that allows for quick and effortless typing, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a more clacky sound profile and the delightful bounce that its extended spring offers. This switch is particularly suitable for those who prioritize comfort and fatigue-free usage during long typing sessions, making it ideal for casual typing or gaming where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you seek a slightly firmer feel with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Jade Rosales might be your go-to option. Its refined design ensures an exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience, coupled with a lively bounce that provides satisfying feedback without being overly harsh. This switch is better suited for users who appreciate nuanced tactile sensations and a slightly heavier feel while typing, making it a versatile option for both productivity and leisure. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and preferences, allowing you to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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