PH Studio Jacaranda vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Mint are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, with its gentle bottom-out pressure of 43.5g, provides a fatigue-free typing experience and a clacky sound signature for audible feedback. Its extended 22mm spring also adds a bouncy sensation to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Mint boasts a smooth linear feel with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem, offering a light and fleeting type sensation. While the Jacaranda is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Mint falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Mint feature polycarbonate top housings, which create 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 allows for the passage of light. However, the differences may lie in the bottom housing material, with the Jacaranda having a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Mint also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound.
While both switches offer similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housings, the differentiation in their bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials become evident when typing on these switches, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction may lead to a slightly different tactile and auditory experience for users of the Jacaranda or the Mint, with the nylon bottom housing providing a softer and more absorbing typing experience compared to the stiff and resonant polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Mint may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Whether you prefer a crisper typing experience with the Jacaranda or a softer, more absorbing feel with the Mint, both switches provide a unique tactile and auditory experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jacaranda requires 45 grams to fully depress the key, while the Mint requires 53 grams, making the Mint slightly heavier in this aspect. The difference in bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, with a slight edge towards the Jacaranda for those who prefer the lightest touch possible.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mint switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda switch. The difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch when pressed. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Jacaranda switch with the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Mint switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various settings. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Jacaranda to be more lively and engaging in terms of sound, while the Mint offers a more subtle and versatile auditory experience.
In regard to feel, the Jacaranda switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness during key presses. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While the Jacaranda may provide a more luxurious typing sensation with its silky feel, the Mint ensures a comfortable and approachable experience suitable for a wide range of users.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Those who prioritize a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy sensation may prefer the Jacaranda, while individuals seeking a more low-pitched and polished sound with a light typing feel may lean towards the Mint. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a crisp and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a smoother, poppy thockiness with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Mint linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely based on what feels and sounds best to you during your typing sessions.
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