PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch are both excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and providing a fatigue-free typing experience. Its clacky sound signature and uniquely bouncy sensation due to the extended 22mm spring elevate the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King offers buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Jacaranda is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Oil King is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiff composition. This makes it ideal for switches that prioritize clarity and resonance in their sound. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. While both materials have their distinct sound qualities, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Jacaranda and the Oil King utilize nylon in their construction. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. However, the Oil King stands out with its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which offers a more pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This leads to a clacky and satisfying typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a distinct sound profile. Overall, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, they both contribute to the switches' unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda delivers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a fuller and deeper sound, appealing to those who enjoy a rounder sound profile. In contrast, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound profile with its sound-absorbing properties, offering a more muted and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound aesthetics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, the Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Oil King has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Jacaranda provides a light typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the Oil King offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches have a similar actuation force, but the bottom out force of the Oil King is heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oil King has a longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda. A 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Jacaranda with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Oil King. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and performance.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a clacky sound profile, characterized by sharp and crisp feedback with every press. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch boasts a low-pitched and bassy sound, offering a more mellow and rich auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Jacaranda would provide a brighter and more percussive sound, while the Oil King would offer a deeper and smoother tone.
Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Gateron Oil King switch is also noted for its creamy and buttery feel, giving users a sensation of effortless keystrokes with each press. Both switches excel in providing a luxurious and seamless typing experience, making them ideal choices for those seeking comfort and ease during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky sound and silky typing experience, the Oil King impresses with its low-pitched, bassy sound profile and creamy, buttery feel. Depending on whether one prefers a brighter, crisper sound or a deeper, smoother tone, both switches are sure to deliver a premium typing experience with their unique attributes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences and desired typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and prioritize smoothness and a creamy, buttery feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Oil King may be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Jacaranda and the Oil King will depend on your individual typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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