PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Zuoce Lavender are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for a satisfying typing experience. The Jacaranda is praised for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. Its extended 22mm spring provides a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. Both switches offer a crisp and clacky sound signature, but the Jacaranda leans towards the higher-pitched side while the Lavender provides an easy-to-press feel. 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
48g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Zuoce Lavender both feature unique combinations of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender boasts a POM top housing, which generates a deeper and relatively more muted sound, appealing to individuals seeking a different auditory sensation. While the top housings differ between the two switches, both provide a pleasing sound profile, albeit with varying characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Jacaranda incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This creates a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Lavender also features a POM bottom housing, which similarly offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the difference in top housings, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their bottom housing materials, showcasing the impact of housing material on sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Zuoce Lavender ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Jacaranda offers a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Lavender provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing materials. Whether you prefer a crisper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more subdued typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. The Jacaranda switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Lavender switch provides a bit more resistance, giving users a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear experience, but the Jacaranda is lighter overall, while the Lavender is slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, we can see that the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Jacaranda offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender. Gamers who prefer a bit more depth in the key press may opt for the Jacaranda, while those who want a slightly quicker response time may lean towards the Lavender. Ultimately, both switches provide a balance between travel distance and responsiveness, offering a similar typing experience with just a slight difference in distance.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and Zuoce Lavender linear switches are described as having a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each key press. However, the Jacaranda is noted for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, adding a level of brightness and sharpness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender switch offers a more straightforward clacky sound without the additional high-pitched tones. Depending on personal preference, users can expect a satisfying and pleasant sound experience from both switches, with slight variations in tone and pitch.
In terms of feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This attribute enhances the overall typing feel, making each keystroke effortless and fluid. On the contrary, the Zuoce Lavender switch is characterized as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force aims to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience. While both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing feel, the Jacaranda leans towards a silkier touch, while the Lavender focuses on ease of pressing.
Taking all available information into consideration, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its distinctive bouncy sensation due to the extended 22mm spring, coupled with a clacky and resonant sound profile. This switch is ideal for those looking for a smooth typing experience with a unique tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers exceptional smoothness right out of the box, with an easy-to-press feel and a satisfying clacky sound. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction and performance from both switches, with minor differences in sound and feel to suit individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and a uniquely bouncy sensation with every keystroke, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. Its clacky sound profile and silky feel provide a satisfying typing experience that minimizes fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and exceptional smoothness right out of the box, the Lavender switch could be more suitable for your typing style. Its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel offer a different but equally enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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