PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and Durock Piano are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Jacaranda, with its gentle 43.5g bottom-out and clacky feedback, provides a fatigue-free typing experience and a bouncy sensation with its extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Jacaranda is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Resonant', the Piano is described as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Piano both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and more resonant, the Piano's POM blend provides a rich and deep sound that sets it apart from other switches.
While the top housings of the Jacaranda and the Piano offer different sound profiles, their bottom housings also play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing complements its top housing by offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch sound, it's important to note that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or a POM blend, influence the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch when pressed. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or a proprietary POM blend, influences the sound profile when releasing a key. While the Jacaranda and the Piano may differ in their housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch to the Durock Piano linear switch, the most notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda boasts a light actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Piano switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, although its actuation force is not specified. This difference in weight can greatly impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial, tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Jacaranda has a shorter travel distance compared to the Piano. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the feel and response of the switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Jacaranda with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific feel one is looking for in their keyboard. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the difference in travel distance can make a difference in how each switch feels when typing.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, but if you prefer a brighter and percussive sound, the Jacaranda might be more to your liking.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance during key presses. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch provides a frictionless typing experience with fluid travel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Both switches aim to reduce any sense of resistance and provide a comfortable typing experience, so you can expect a similar level of satisfaction in terms of feel from either option.
Considering all the available information, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its unique bouncy sensation due to the extended 22mm spring, while the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their own distinctive characteristics. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a premium typing experience that caters to your specific preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you prioritize a light touch with a bouncy sensation and crisp, clacky sound, then the Jacaranda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a smooth and creamy typing feel, along with a deep, bassy sound signature, then the Durock Piano switch may be more to your liking. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so consider what qualities you value most in a switch when making your decision.
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