PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two standout options are the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), both linear switches but with distinctive traits. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, offers a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it incredibly light and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Its crisp clacky sound signature and uniquely bouncy feel, thanks to an extended 22mm spring, provide a delightful tactile feedback that many typists crave. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) leans towards a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, delivering a more substantial keystroke with a bright and resonant sound that adds to the experience of each press. Its pronounced bounciness makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a firmer touch when typing. While the Jacaranda is ideal for users seeking a lightweight, fatigue-free experience with a more playful auditory feedback, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a firmer feeling and a resonant sound. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) present a compelling contrast in sound profile and acoustic characteristics. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This choice amplifies the sound clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness enhances resonance, allowing for a more defined auditory experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting, as the clear housing enhances visual appeal. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound due to its softer composition. This absorption leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, producing a more muted auditory experience compared to the Jacaranda. The sonic differences suggest that while both switches may serve similar functions, their distinct top housing materials create divergent user experiences.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that both the Jacaranda and the Lotus (Heavy) share the same nylon material. This shared choice has implications for the overall sound experience during key presses. Nylon's softer nature contributes to a rounder, duller sound profile, which enhances the overall tactile feedback and comfort while typing. Since both models rely on nylon for the bottom housing, they share the characteristic of dampening sound when the keys bottom out, thus promoting a more muted auditory output in that phase of the key press. This commonality, albeit in a different context from their top housings, indicates that the sound profile of the two switches converges at least partially during the act of typing.
Ultimately, the differing materials in the top housings lead to distinctive sounds when keys are released, while the similarity in bottom housings ensures a consistent bottom-out sound experience across both models. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top generates higher-pitched sounds that are crisp and resonant, ideal for users who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback. Conversely, the nylon top of the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a deeper sound profile, catering to those seeking a softer, more enveloping auditory experience. Effectively, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Jacaranda creates a more dynamic sound contrast while the uniformity of nylon in both bottom housings provides a shared foundation, allowing them to maintain unique but balanced auditory experiences in their own right.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda features a light actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This difference means that while the Jacaranda is a better choice for those seeking a lighter touch, the Lotus will provide a firmer feel that some typists appreciate for its resistance. Consequently, the Jacaranda is the lighter switch and the Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option, highlighting the diverse preferences people have when selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel during typing or gaming. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent and uniform keypress experience, regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 comparing the sound characteristics of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Jacaranda shines with its clacky and resonant nature. Its bright, high-pitched sound profile offers a sharp and percussive feedback that is both crisp and immersive, making each keystroke a delightful auditory experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Lotus (Heavy) is currently unspecified, leaving uncertainty about its acoustic qualities. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard build and keycap material, which may result in different experiences regardless of the switch type.
Regarding the feel, the Jacaranda linear switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth action, described as silky, which enhances the typing experience by minimizing resistance during keystrokes. This smoothness contributes to a comfortable and fatigue-free experience, particularly appealing for long typing sessions. The Lotus (Heavy) switch, while noted for its medium-heavy weight and bouncy feeling, does not have specific descriptors for its tactile feedback or smoothness available. This omission leaves a gap in the comparison of the overall feel of the switches.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a defined auditory signature with clacky, high-pitched tones, along with a silky smooth typing feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch presents an unknown sound profile but is acknowledged for its delightful bounciness. The differences in their weights, sound, and tactile characteristics lend each switch a unique personality. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfying results, though the experience may vary based on personal preference and additional setup elements like case and keycap choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and enjoy a clacky sound profile that delivers crisp auditory feedback, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice, especially for extended typing sessions where finger fatigue is a concern. Its silky smoothness and bouncy sensation, thanks to the 22mm spring, can enhance your overall typing experience, making it ideal for casual use, programming, or light gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial keystroke with a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch might be more suitable for you. Its medium-heavy weight combines with a bright, resonant sound that adds a delightful auditory component to your typing, making it perfect for those who appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy a more robust switch for gaming or professional typing tasks. By considering how you type and what aspects you value most—whether it's sound, feel, or actuation force—you can make an informed decision that will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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