PH Studio Jacaranda vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the PH Studio Jacaranda and KTT Orange both offer unique features worth considering. The Jacaranda, a linear switch from PH Studio, stands out for its 43.5g gentle bottom-out force, making it easy on the fingers and ideal for fatigue-free typing sessions. With a clacky sound signature and an extended 22mm spring, each keystroke on the Jacaranda delivers a bouncy sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a 22mm long spring for a bouncy feel, along with a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing for a slick, frictionless typing experience. With a low-pitched sound profile and excellent factory-lubing, the Orange switch ensures a refined and smooth key travel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically pleasing option for those looking to add some visual flair to their keyboard setup. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Jacaranda featuring a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
While both the Jacaranda and the Orange have top housings made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material composition. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound quality. This split in housing materials allows for a balance of qualities in the sound and feel of pressing down and releasing a key on the keyboard. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key, providing a unique tactile experience for users.
In terms of sound profile, the use of different housing materials in the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Orange creates distinct experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Jacaranda's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a dynamic sound profile that is both clear and resonant, while also offering a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange's dual polycarbonate housing maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout, providing a different auditory experience for users. Both keyboards offer unique benefits in terms of sound quality, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the KTT Orange linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, the Jacaranda has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Orange has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Jacaranda switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Orange switch would cater more to individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users will experience the same travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that the typing experience provided by both switches will be consistent in terms of key feel and feedback. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is identical, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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, describing a sharp, crisp, and percussive feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched options. When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is revered for its silky typing experience, providing exceptionally smooth key presses with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, offering a lively sensation with a spring-like feedback and fluid key travel. Overall, while both switches feature an extended 22mm spring for a bouncy typing feel, the Jacaranda emphasizes a clacky sound and a silky feel, while the Orange prioritizes a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can select either switch to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light bottom-out force, a clacky sound profile, and a silky smooth typing feel, the Jacaranda switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a bouncy, frictionless typing feel, the Orange switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of tactile feedback you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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