PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch are two popular choices with distinct features. The Jacaranda is known for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ideal for fatigue-free typing. With a clacky sound signature and an extended 22mm spring, each keystroke feels bouncy and unique, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It strikes a balance between satisfying tactility and comfortable typing, with a subtle and mellow sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Oreo feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in clearer and more resonant sound characteristics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. The similarities in the top housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect comparable sound and performance in this aspect.
However, where the switches diverge is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Jacaranda opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to variations in the typing experience and overall sound signature of the switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom plays a crucial role. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By combining different housing materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, each switch aims to create a unique typing experience for users. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and Everglide Oreo offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Jacaranda switch also has a lighter force of 45 grams, while the Oreo switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Jacaranda switch is overall lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Oreo switch. For those who prefer a light typing experience for longer periods of time, the Jacaranda switch would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Oreo switch. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback and overall typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, even a small variance can affect the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda may appeal to those who value quick response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Oreo may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched signature, providing a sharp and snappy feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a mellow and chirpy sound profile, giving a unique acoustic experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Jacaranda leaning towards a sharper sound while the Oreo provides a softer and more subtle auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing sensation that minimizes resistance and enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is known for being accented and stepped, providing a medium light tactility with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Oreo switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned bottom-out, creating a comfortable typing experience with a unique tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer contrasting but equally appealing qualities when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and more clacky sound with a bouncy typing sensation, the Jacaranda would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a softer and chirpy sound with a balanced tactile feedback, the Everglide Oreo switches would be the perfect fit. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences, allowing users to customize their mechanical keyboard to suit their individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, a bouncy typing experience, and a clacky sound profile, then the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force, a crisp tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation, and a chirpy sound profile, then the Oreo switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose based on what feels right for you.
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