PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it's easy to see the distinct differences between the two. The Jacaranda offers a smooth and gentle typing experience with a low actuation force of 43.5g, making it perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its clacky sound signature provides satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Blue Jade is known for its clicky tactile feedback, offering a more pronounced and audible sound with each keystroke. While the Jacaranda may be preferred for its silky and resonant feel, the Blue Jade's clicky nature may be more appealing to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Blue Jade both feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. However, the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Blue Jade's nylon top housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer material.
In terms of aesthetics, the PH Studio Jacaranda stands out with its polycarbonate top housing that allows for RGB lighting to shine through, giving a visually appealing look to the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucent qualities, but instead focuses on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. While both switches have different top housing materials, they each bring unique qualities to the overall performance and sound of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Blue Jade will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the Blue Jade's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound that some users may find more satisfying. The nylon bottom housing of both switches will contribute to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making them both solid options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique switch design.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force, the Jacaranda switch is lighter in both aspects compared to the Blue Jade switch, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more effortless typing experience. However, both switches provide different levels of resistance that cater to individual preferences, with the Jacaranda offering a lighter touch and the Blue Jade offering a heavier feel for typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Blue Jade offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Jacaranda. The decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. While the Jacaranda may be preferred for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, the Blue Jade may be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with versatility in their typing experience.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This distinct sound profile can provide a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a sharp and snappy sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and satisfying. This smoothness enhances the overall typing feel, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. As for the Outemu Blue Jade switch, the information on its feel is not available at the moment, so it's unclear how it compares to the Jacaranda in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, offering users a unique typing experience that prioritizes comfort and tactile feedback. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are not provided in the given information, based on the available details, it is clear that the Jacaranda switch excels in both sound and feel aspects. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound feedback. If you prioritize a light and bouncy keystroke with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a clicky feedback, the Blue Jade might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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