PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Lupine are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, known for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force and extended 22mm spring, offers a fatigue-free typing experience with a bouncy sensation and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out with its two-stage long springs that provide consistent weight distribution and powerful upward movement, along with a classic clacky sound profile. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a silky and resonant typing experience, the Lupine offers a polished and mild feel. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different types of typists; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Lupine feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic helps to create a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switch housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar sound experience when typing.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Jacaranda and Lupine both utilize nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, particularly when bottoming out while typing. This shared characteristic in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile feedback and sound experience, offering a consistent typing experience for users.
While the top and bottom housings of the Jacaranda and Lupine differ in material, with the former featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the latter utilizing a nylon bottom housing, the overall impact on the typing experience is split between the two. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a mix of sharpness and depth in sound profile, providing users with a versatile and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in actuation and bottom out force. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Lupine, whose actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Jacaranda requires 45 grams, while the Lupine is heavier at 62 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Jacaranda make it more suitable for those looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lupine's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. However, the Lupine provides a slightly deeper key press compared to the Jacaranda. If you prefer a more abrupt feel and quicker response, the Jacaranda might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in each key press, the Lupine would be the suitable option. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and both would provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel 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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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, offering a sharp and percussive feedback that is bright and crisp. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a more neutral and high-pitched sound, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, with the Jacaranda leaning towards a more energetic and lively feedback, while the Lupine provides a more balanced and versatile sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is characterized as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Lupine is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. While the Jacaranda excels in offering a silky smooth typing experience, the Lupine focuses on providing a comfortable and refined keypress with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and Durock Lupine linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth typing experience due to the extended 22mm spring, while the Lupine provides a more neutral and versatile sound along with a mild and polished typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, whether you choose the Jacaranda or Lupine, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique characteristics that set them apart in the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a polished typing feel, the Lupine switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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