PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, known for its unique characteristics such as a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g and a clacky sound signature, offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. The extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy sensation to each keystroke, making it stand out from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch, while lacking specific standout features, provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. Both switches offer advantages in different aspects, with the Jacaranda excelling in tactile feedback and the Red focusing on reliability and consistency. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Red switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. The top housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile of a switch, especially when keys are released.
On the other hand, the Jacaranda and the Outemu Red switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, adding to the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Red switches share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, they diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Outemu Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. The combination of different housing materials in a switch affects the overall sound profile and typing experience, with each material bringing unique qualities to the switch.
Weight
In comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda is the lighter option with an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Red is the heavier option with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Jacaranda provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue might be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Red offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Both switches have a distinguishable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier feel. Overall, the Jacaranda and Outemu Red switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing options for users seeking either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. With the Jacaranda having a slightly shorter travel distance, it may provide a quicker response time that some gamers prefer. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Jacaranda being on the shorter end and the Red being on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and response time.
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 Red 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 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Red linear switch's sound quality is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is lauded for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a seamless feel when pressing and releasing keys. Unfortunately, details regarding the feel of the Outemu Red switch are not available.
Taking all the information into account, it is clear that the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, offering a bouncy sensation with a clacky sound profile and silky smooth typing experience. While the Outemu Red linear switch may provide similar results, the unique features of the Jacaranda set it apart as a standout choice for those looking for an enhanced typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, a bouncy and fatigue-free typing sensation, and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and are looking for a smoother typing experience, the Red switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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