PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch known for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, provides a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. With a clacky sound signature and an extended 22mm spring for a bouncy sensation, the Jacaranda excels in delivering crisp feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red, a variant of the MX Red, maintains a slightly heavier feel while operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their strengths, whether it's the distinct characteristics of the Jacaranda or the quiet typing experience of the MX Silent Red. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softness of the material. This results in a more subdued and rounded sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. However, the Jacaranda stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for those looking for a more distinct auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the PH Studio Jacaranda allows for translucency, making it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing brings a classic look and feel to the switch. While both switches offer a unique sound profile due to their housing materials, the choice between a crisper sound with the Jacaranda or a deeper sound with the Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, the split between the bottom and top housing materials for each switch means that the qualities of each material are distributed differently throughout the typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda creates a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Jacaranda or a more classic sound with the Silent Red, as well as whether you prioritize RGB lighting capabilities in your switch selection.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams. However, the Jacaranda also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Jacaranda switch overall offers a lighter typing experience than the MX Silent Red. The difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly quicker response time with the Jacaranda, while the heavier bottom out force of the MX Silent Red may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. In essence, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Jacaranda, while those who prefer a bit more weight behind their keystrokes may opt for the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages depending on the user's personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Jacaranda has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the MX Silent Red to be more to their liking due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the keypress.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch boasts a muted and low-pitched sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Jacaranda excels in producing a more distinct and audible feedback, the MX Silent Red focuses on minimizing sound for a more discreet typing session.
Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda switch is known for providing a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing overall comfort and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may introduce a subtle friction that some users may appreciate for added tactile feedback. The silky sensation of the Jacaranda switch contrasts with the textured feel of the MX Silent Red, catering to different preferences in typing comfort.
Considering the overall comparison between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the MX Silent Red focuses on a muted, low-pitched sound profile with a textured feel. Both switches provide a linear typing experience but cater to different preferences based on sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound feedback and typing comfort. It's important to note that the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors can also influence the overall typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light, bouncy, and clacky switch that provides a unique typing experience with a crisp sound profile, then the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel but value a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments, then the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely based on your individual needs and preferences.
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