PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch, and the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jacaranda, known for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, provides a fatigue-free typing experience with a clacky sound signature and a bouncy sensation due to its extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch offers a clicky feedback with a satisfying audible click sound. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, such as the Jacaranda's ease on the fingers and the Green's distinct click sound, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Green utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, high-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing on these switches. Aesthetically, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for switches designed with lighting in mind. The similarities in the top housing material ensure that both switches will deliver a similar sound profile and appearance when used.
In contrast, the Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, while the Outemu Green also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Despite the difference in bottom housing material between the two switches, both the Jacaranda and the Outemu Green will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound and feel produced by the bottom housing material.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch allows for a balance of qualities that each material brings to the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing the key. Understanding the role of each housing material in a switch can help users appreciate the nuances in sound and feel that different materials bring, making the choice between switches like the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Green a matter of personal preference based on desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have noticeable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Jacaranda switch requires a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Green switch's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. Similarly, the Jacaranda switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Green switch has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Jacaranda switch make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Green switch provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Green clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jacaranda offers a slightly shallower keypress, making it preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Green clicky switch provides a bit more depth to the keypress, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so try them out to see which one suits your typing style best.
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 Green 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
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a crisp and bright feedback with each key press. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, so it's hard to directly compare the two in terms of sound. Moving on to the feel, the Jacaranda is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Without specific information on the feel of the Outemu Green switch, it's challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound profile and a silky feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch that is clicky but do not have specific preferences on sound and feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch may provide similar results. As with any mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider how it will interact with your choice of keyboard and keycaps to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Outemu Green clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a smooth, fatigue-free typing experience with a unique bouncy sensation, then the Jacaranda switch may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky sound signature and a silky smooth typing feel, the Jacaranda switch would be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a clicky feedback with a high-pitched sound profile, the Outemu Green clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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