PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, with its gentle bottom-out and clacky sound signature, offers a unique typing experience that is both comfortable and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced bump with smooth keystrokes. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a bouncy sensation with every keystroke, the Silent Grey offers a silent yet satisfying 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
1.60 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
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The use of polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing experience. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the two switches may still have differences in sound and feel due to other factors such as stem design or internal components.
On the other hand, the Jacaranda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material could contribute to a noticeable variation in the overall typing experience between the two switches, with the Jacaranda potentially offering a more satisfying typing sound for some users.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the PH Studio Jacaranda could provide a balanced sound profile with distinct characteristics from both materials. The Outemu Silent Grey, on the other hand, may offer a different typing experience due to its specific housing materials. Despite the differences, both switches aim to deliver an enhanced typing experience through the careful selection of housing materials that contribute to sound quality and key feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it's evident that the Jacaranda is lighter in both aspects. The Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Grey is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Jacaranda makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Silent Grey provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one values a lighter typing experience for extended use or a more robust feel while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches are within the range of modern travel distances, with the Jacaranda offering a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Jacaranda for its faster actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Outemu Silent Grey 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a crisp and sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. While the Jacaranda offers a more pronounced and audible sound, the Silent Grey ensures a silent operation without compromising on tactile feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a satisfying keystroke. With a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, this switch allows for fatigue-free typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a highly tactile feel with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, catering to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
In summary, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, whereas the Silent Grey prioritizes quiet operation and tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, you can confidently choose between these two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a quiet and satisfying typing experience, the Silent Grey could be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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