PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Orange offer two compelling yet distinct options for typists and gamers alike. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, offers a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it extremely finger-friendly and ideal for lengthy typing sessions. Its clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory feedback, creating an enjoyable tactile experience further enhanced by its distinctive 22mm spring, which provides a pleasant bounce with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, a revived classic, combines nostalgia with modern enhancements, making it appealing to those who appreciate both tradition and performance. While it may lack the unique auditory characteristics of the Jacaranda, the MX Orange is built for reliability and a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a rich sound and unique feel or a tried-and-true performance legacy. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 housing materials used in the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Orange switches evoke distinct sound profiles due to their differing compositions. The Jacaranda's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances the sound quality by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This material's translucency also makes it a prime candidate for RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through more vividly. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice for switch materials. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is notably more rounded and dull compared to the sharper sounds produced by the Jacaranda's polycarbonate housing.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in their overall auditory characteristics. As both the Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Orange feature nylon in the bottom housing, their performance in terms of sound dampening and depth is consistent. This shared use of nylon engenders a deeper, fuller sound profile when the switch bottoms out, creating a harmonious effect that balances out the distinct qualities of the top housings. Consequently, while the Jacaranda delivers a crisper sound when the keys are released due to its polycarbonate top, the overall auditory experience retains a level of similarity because both models incorporate nylon, fostering a unified bottom-out sound between the two.
In essence, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing for the Jacaranda and a nylon top housing for the Cherry MX Orange creates a clear distinction in their sound characteristics. The Jacaranda's sharper sound profile contrasts with the MX Orange's deeper, more muted auditory signature. However, the commonality in their nylon bottom housings ensures that both switches produce a consistently full and rounded sound when pressed down. Therefore, while the switches can be compared based on their unique top housing materials, the underlying similarities due to the nylon bottom housing harmonize their performance, allowing users to experience distinct auditory nuances while achieving similar results in terms of overall sound depth.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jacaranda switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams, while the Cherry MX Orange requires a heftier 55 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Jacaranda potentially more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it may reduce finger fatigue over time. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange's higher actuation force caters to those who favor a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Regarding bottom out forces, the Jacaranda's is 45 grams, which indicates that while it also has a relatively light feel throughout its travel, the Cherry MX Orange's bottom out force remains unknown. Therefore, individuals looking for a lighter switch experience may opt for the Jacaranda, while those who appreciate a firmer feel might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Orange despite the lack of information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jacaranda switch can provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key response times. On the other hand, the MX Orange offers a depthier experience that some users might find more satisfying but potentially less responsive. If you prioritize a quicker activation, the Jacaranda would be the better choice; however, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke, the Cherry MX Orange is likely to suit your needs better.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 presents a distinct and lively auditory experience that many users find appealing. It produces a clacky sound profile that is both crisp and bright, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This sound can be characterized as snappy and resonant, contributing to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches have no specific sound profile detailed, leaving their auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. While the sound of any switch is influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, the Jacaranda's clearly defined clacky nature stands out in this comparison, inviting users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch excels with its silky smoothness, which minimizes resistance during both key presses and releases. This provides a seamless typing sensation that can enhance overall user comfort, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, no specific feel characteristics have been attributed to the MX Orange switches, so a direct comparison in this area is not possible. However, the silky feel of the Jacaranda ensures that users will experience a high level of smoothness while typing, distinguishing it in the realm of linear switches.
Ultimately, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and Cherry MX Orange switches have intriguing qualities tailored for distinct preferences, yet they differ in the details provided. The Jacaranda's notable clacky sound and silky feel create a unique typing experience that can appeal to many users. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange's qualities remain less defined, leaving potential users to explore their performance further. For those who prioritize sound and feel in their typing experience, the Jacaranda appears to be a more compelling option, whereas the MX Orange might require deeper investigation to uncover its true character.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you favor a light actuation force and enjoy a tactile response with an engaging auditory experience, the Jacaranda is the way to go. Its gentle 45-gram bottom-out force and bouncy 22mm spring provide a fatigue-free typing experience that can be especially pleasant during extended use. Moreover, if you appreciate a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that adds an element of excitement to your keystrokes, the Jacaranda’s distinct auditory characteristics will enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more refined typing experience without the clack, and you value the heritage of a switch that has been revived with enhancements for modern demands, the Cherry MX Orange may suit you better, especially if you prefer a switch with the legacy branding that Cherry offers. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you desire a lively, engaging switch or a more traditional experience; both options have their unique strengths that cater to different types of users.
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