PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer unique typing experiences with their distinct characteristics. The Jacaranda is praised for its gentle bottom-out and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for fatigue-free typing with a bouncy sensation. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a more classic keystroke feel with its medium-heavy weight and enhanced backlight effects for both performance and aesthetic appeal. While the Jacaranda is known for its silky and resonant qualities, the Jupiter Brown stands out for its mild and polished attributes. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons why you may want to choose them, 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing, both creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile, and the same sound-absorbing qualities due to the softer nylon material.
While the top housing of both the Jacaranda and the Jupiter Brown contributes to the sound profile when pressing down and letting go of a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that while both switches may offer a similar sharp and crisp sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, the overall typing experience may differ slightly due to the impact of the nylon bottom housing. The Jacaranda's deeper and fuller sound profile created by its nylon bottom housing may provide a more rounded typing experience compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer a unique sound profile thanks to their housing materials. The hard polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the soft nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. While the switches may have similar characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housings, the impact of the nylon bottom housing sets them apart in terms of overall sound profile and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Jacaranda is also lighter at 45 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The Jacaranda switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch is more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Jacaranda offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a bit more depth to the key press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched feedback, giving a sharp and crisp sound with every keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, both switches will provide a unique auditory experience depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as mild, polished, and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and a safe middle-ground feel. While the specific tactile feedback of the Jacaranda switch is unknown, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct qualities.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is best known for its gentle bottom-out force, clacky sound, and silky feel, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch stands out for its medium-heavy weight, enhanced backlight effects, and mild tactile experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ultimately enhancing the typing experience for users. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards will have a great option to choose from based on their desired characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy sensation with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a more traditional tactile feel and polished keystroke experience, the Jupiter Brown could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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