PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Jelly both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, is renowned for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Its clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds an engaging auditory element, while the remarkable 22mm spring contributes a bouncy sensation that enhances every keystroke, ensuring a lively typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly delivers a smoother experience with its lightweight 42g actuation force, producing a low-pitched, thocky sound that many users find satisfying. With its excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly offers a seamless feel that minimizes friction for those who prioritize smoothness over sound. Both switches have their merits, appealing to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Jelly switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Jacaranda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material renowned for its rigidity and translucency. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it an excellent option for enhancing RGB lighting through its clear housing. In contrast, the Jelly opts for nylon as its top housing material, which is softer and better at sound absorption. The nylon construction contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted and round tonal quality. Consequently, the type of materials used in the top housing creates a fundamental divergence in the auditory experiences produced by each switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, and this similarity means they will offer comparable qualities in terms of sound absorption and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a more profound and rounded sound profile regardless of the differences in the top housings. Both switches will elicit a consistent bottom-out sound and feel because of this shared material, ensuring that users can expect a unified tactile response when pressing down on the switches. Thus, while their upper housings diverge acoustically, the nylon bottoms create a cohesive sound experience.
In summary, the key differences between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Jelly mainly stem from their top housing materials. With the Jacaranda's polycarbonate enabling a crisper sound and the Jelly's nylon fostering a deeper tone, the distinction in auditory feedback is pronounced. Nonetheless, their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their sound profiles when pressed, proving that despite the variances in their top constructions, both switches can offer an enjoyable typing experience. As a result, users seeking a blend of clarity and fullness may appreciate the unique strengths of each switch, depending on their personal preferences for acoustic response and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch to the HMX Jelly linear switch, both options are characterized as light switches, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda has a lower actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jelly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Jacaranda more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, the Jelly offers a marginally stronger push-feel, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are classified as light, the Jacaranda is the lighter option, making it more suitable for extended use, while the Jelly provides a bit more resistance for those seeking greater feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is clear that the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jelly has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Jacaranda provides a more responsive feel, making it a better choice for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Jelly’s longer travel distance offers a more pronounced depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a less abrupt typing experience. Ultimately, if you’re seeking responsiveness, the Jacaranda is the shorter option, while the Jelly is the longer selection, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 creates a lively auditory experience. It boasts a clacky sound profile that includes crisp and bright notes, combining a percussive quality with a pronounced resonance. Each keystroke produces an enjoyable and immersive auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, especially in a well-built keyboard setup. In contrast, while the specifics of the sound profile for the HMX Jelly linear switch are not fully detailed, its characteristics suggest it produces a deeper, low-pitched thocky sound. This difference means that those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Jacaranda, while those seeking a muted, bass-rich experience might find the Jelly more appealing, although both sounds will inherently depend on the choice of board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch excels with its silky smoothness. This quality ensures that each keystroke is not only satisfying but also minimizes finger fatigue, making for a pleasant typing experience. The extended 22mm spring contributes to a bouncy sensation, enhancing tactile feedback even further. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly’s feel is not elaborated upon in the provided information. However, if it maintains a similar smoothness as suggested by its factory lube, typists may find the Jelly also delivers an enjoyable experience, albeit potentially differing in feedback style and overall dynamics.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Jacaranda and HMX Jelly linear switches cater to different auditory preferences—with the Jacaranda leaning towards a clacky sound and the Jelly potentially providing a thocky, deeper experience—they are both designed to offer smooth typing experiences. The Jacaranda is distinguished by its silky feel and gentle bottom-out force, providing a unique bouncy character that typists may appreciate. Depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, one may choose based on the distinct qualities highlighted. Ultimately, both switches deliver a typing experience that could resonate well with enthusiasts in their own ways.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, your personal preferences regarding sound and typing experience will play a vital role. If you prioritize a bouncy typing feel and enjoy a crisp and clacky sound, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, allowing you to type with comfort and ease while benefiting from its smooth, silky feel. This switch is ideal if you want a more engaging auditory experience that keeps you motivated throughout your work or gaming sessions. Conversely, if you favor a deeper, low-pitched thocky sound and slightly higher tactile feedback through its actuation force of 48 grams, the HMX Jelly switch would be more suited to your style. The Jelly's buttery smooth action, enhanced by its factory lube, will provide a different kind of enjoyment that may resonate well with those who appreciate a more muted sound profile without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you favor the lively, bright feedback of the Jacaranda or the rich, deep tones of the Jelly, along with how you prefer your switches to feel with each keystroke.
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