PH Studio Jacaranda vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch are both unique mechanical keyboard switches with their own set of advantages. The Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, providing a comfortable typing experience that is easy on the fingers and minimizes fatigue. The switch also features a crisp and clacky sound signature, adding an audible feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the tactile feedback and providing a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the TKC Kiwi switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This creates a more resonant sound compared to softer plastics. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for its top housing, resulting in a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both materials offer clarity in sound, the Jacaranda's polycarbonate may provide a more defined tone, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE offers a brighter and more vibrant sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Jacaranda utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, offering a similar bright sound signature as its top housing. This material contributes to resonant clacks during typing, enhancing the overall auditory experience. The contrast between the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing and the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing showcases the different nuances each material brings to the switch.
While the Jacaranda and Kiwi switches feature different top and bottom housing materials, their overall sound profiles are influenced by a combination of these materials. The interaction between the top and bottom housings impacts the sound when typing and releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound signatures, showcasing how the choice of materials can influence the overall user experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TKC Kiwi tactile switch. The Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a more substantial typing feel. The difference in weight between the two switches cater to different preferences; lighter for longer typing sessions and heavier for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Kiwi switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda. The difference may not be significant, but it could result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience for users. Those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may lean towards the Kiwi switch, while those looking for a quicker response time might opt for the Jacaranda. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between a traditional travel distance and a more modern, shorter option, catering to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to typing. Both switches aim to deliver an immersive auditory experience, with the Jacaranda leaning towards a sharper sound while the Kiwi provides a more moderate and versatile sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a stepped and accented feel, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is factory lubed, contributing to a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. Both switches focus on enhancing the overall tactile feedback during typing, with the Jacaranda emphasizing smoothness and the Kiwi focusing on providing a distinct tactile bump for each key press.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer unique sound and feel experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Jacaranda excels in delivering a clacky and resonant sound paired with a silky smooth typing feel, the Kiwi stands out with its low-pitched and neutral sound profile combined with a stepped and accented tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and provide satisfying feedback for users looking to elevate their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prioritize a light keypress with a bouncy sensation and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong tactile bump with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the Kiwi might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
