PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda boasts a gentle bottom-out and a distinct clacky sound profile, thanks to its extended 22mm spring, providing a bouncy sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and buttery feel, accompanied by a low, "thocky" sound that is satisfyingly thick. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a fatigue-free typing experience with its silky and resonant qualities, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out as a versatile and budget-friendly option suitable for both gaming and typing. 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
50g
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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) lies in their housing materials. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. While the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing absorbs more sound, producing a rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Jacaranda and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) use nylon, making them similar in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches leads to a duller and rounder sound profile overall. This consistency in bottom housing materials ensures a similar typing experience regardless of the specific switch model.
While the top housing materials of the Jacaranda and Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ, the impact of each housing material is evident in the overall sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This division of housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the Jacaranda offering a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) providing a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda is the lighter option with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Jacaranda provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Jacaranda would be the preferred option, while those seeking a heavier typing feel may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3).
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jacaranda's travel distance is shorter, making it more suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro has a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 Jacaranda linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for either a sharper or a more bass-heavy sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is hailed for its silky typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth keystroke that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing comfort. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch provides a buttery and textured feel, giving users a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with a hint of friction for added tactile feedback. The decision between these switches would therefore rely on the desired level of smoothness and texture preferred during typing sessions.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that they offer contrasting experiences to suit different preferences. While the Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky sound and silky feel with a bouncy keystroke, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out for its low-pitched, thocky sound and buttery, textured feel. To achieve a similar result to the Jacaranda, one could opt for the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro for a budget-friendly switch with smoothness and texture. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, a unique bouncy sensation from the extended 22mm spring, and a clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Jacaranda might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force, a classic budget switch with a "thocky" and bassy sound profile, and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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