PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The comparison between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a fascinating insight into the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches. While the Jacaranda boasts a gentle bottom-out and clacky sound signature, the MX Brown prides itself on providing a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Each switch has its unique appeal - the Jacaranda offering a bouncy sensation with a high-pitched sound, and the MX Brown delivering a more textured feel with a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and Cherry MX Brown switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This allows for a more muted and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While both switches share this characteristic, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper sound profile but with a different tone than the polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda.
The choice of housing materials in the PH Studio Jacaranda and Cherry MX Brown switches impacts not only the sound profile but also the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda creates a clear and resonant sound when a key is pressed and released, while the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Brown elicits a deeper sound that absorbs more noise. This difference in sound profile can affect user preference based on the desired typing experience, whether it be a crisper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and Cherry MX Brown switches play a significant role in shaping their individual sound profiles and tactile feel. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound, their top housing materials create distinct tones. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhanced by the translucency ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Brown offers a deeper and more absorbing sound. The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches provides users with a variety of options to customize their typing experience based on sound preference and tactile feedback.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch's 45 grams. Similarly, the Jacaranda's bottom out force of 45 grams is lighter than the MX Brown's 55 grams. This means that the Jacaranda switch offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, giving users a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Jacaranda has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the MX Brown may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual needs.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched feedback, creating a crisp and percussive sound with each press. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and mellow tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Jacaranda being more sharp and bright, while the MX Brown leans towards a richer and smoother sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured or scratchy, providing noticeable friction during key presses. Some users may prefer the subtle texture of the MX Brown for a unique tactile sensation, while others may favor the smoothness of the Jacaranda switch for a more effortless typing experience.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a smooth feel, ideal for those looking for a crisp and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a subtler and more subdued sound with a textured feel, catering to users who prefer a gentle tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver satisfying results, with the Jacaranda focusing on sharpness and smoothness, while the MX Brown emphasizes richness and texture.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force for a fatigue-free typing experience with a uniquely bouncy sensation and clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with subtle tactility and a more subdued, bassy sound profile, the MX Brown switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force to ensure an optimal typing experience tailored to your needs.
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