PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer two distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, providing a fatigue-free typing experience with a clacky sound signature and a bouncy sensation from its extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Melodic by Gateron reinvigorates the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a silky and high-pitched typing experience, the Melodic impresses with a buttery and crunchy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Melodic utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Jacaranda and Melodic differ in their bottom housing materials. The Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Melodic also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar sound characteristics to the Jacaranda.
While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, the PH Studio Jacaranda and Gateron Melodic diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In comparison, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound profile to the Jacaranda, showing that nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Jacaranda and Melodic switches results in a dynamic sound experience with varying levels of sharpness and depth.
The distinction between the top and bottom housings of the PH Studio Jacaranda and Gateron Melodic is essential in understanding the overall sound profile of each switch. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the top housing, crafted from polycarbonate, impacts the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound quality. By combining these different housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that balances clarity and depth, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining sound characteristics in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we can see clear differences in weight. The Jacaranda switch has a lighter 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 Gateron Melodic switch has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, with the actuation force being unknown. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter touch would find the Jacaranda switch more suitable, while those who prefer a heavier keypress would lean towards the Gateron Melodic switch. However, if both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users would likely experience similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Melodic switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda switch. A 3.5 mm travel distance is considered shorter than the more traditional 4.0mm distance, which can appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Melodic switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press with greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience with each keystroke. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch, on the other hand, offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Both switches aim to deliver an immersive auditory experience, with the Jacaranda leaning towards a sharper sound, while the Melodic offers a more textured and layered sound sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile, with the Jacaranda catering to those who prefer a sharper and brighter sound, and the Melodic appealing to fans of a more resonant and textured sound.
Moving on to the feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a fluid and effortless typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the Jacaranda focusing on smoothness and ease of typing, while the Melodic prioritizes a responsive and immersive tactile sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel, with the Jacaranda catering to those who enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience, and the Melodic appealing to enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic and invigorating feel.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda stands out for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth typing experience, providing a crisp and gentle keystroke feel. In contrast, the Melodic shines with its resonant sound and buttery, invigorating typing sensation, offering a more textured and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches promising a high-quality typing experience tailored to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, a bouncy keystroke sensation, and a clacky sound profile, then the Jacaranda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force, a classic clicky sound, and a smooth typing experience, then the Gateron Melodic switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider how you type, the sound and feel you prefer, and select the switch that best aligns with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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