PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch manufactured by KTT, is praised for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force that ensures comfortable typing without causing fatigue. With a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, this switch provides crisp and audible feedback with each press, while the extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy sensation to every keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, created by Haimu, also offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, but stands out with its silky and seamless typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser feature enhances RGB illumination, making it a visually appealing choice for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect. While the top housing material is the same for both switches, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Jacaranda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper and crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate.
The choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Jacaranda and Lightning Silver V3 results in a combination of qualities that affect both the pressing down and letting go of keys. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This division of characteristics adds complexity to the overall typing experience and allows for a more nuanced sound profile.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, the PH Studio Jacaranda and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharp and resonant sound ideal for RGB lighting setups. While the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent crisp sound profile throughout the typing process. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorptive sound or a sharper, clearer sound, both switches offer options that cater to different preferences while maintaining a high standard of quality.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda is the lighter option. 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 Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance that some users may find more satisfying. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the Lightning Silver V3 with its heavier forces. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier key presses.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Jacaranda or the Lightning Silver V3 will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it affects your typing or gaming 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 known for its clacky and resonant feedback, creating a crisp and bright sound with each press. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch also offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. Both switches cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced and crisp sound while typing.
In terms of feel, both the Jacaranda and Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This feature enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Whether you choose the Jacaranda or the Lightning Silver V3, you can expect a comfortable and seamless typing experience with minimal effort required for each key press.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a bouncy sensation and a clacky sound, the Jacaranda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy sensation, then the Jacaranda switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and appreciate a clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing style and preferences when making a decision.
Mentioned in this article
