PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, known for its gentle bottom-out and clacky sound signature, offers a unique typing experience with its bouncy 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out for its crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to specially designed nylon housings. While the Jacaranda provides a fatigue-free typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Quinn switch offers a rich and immersive typing experience with a creamy, low-pitched sound. Both switches have their distinct advantages and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Quinn, we see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. However, the Jacaranda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while both switches offer a deep and full sound, the Jacaranda will have a clearer, more resonant sound due to the polycarbonate top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Jacaranda and the Quinn utilize nylon. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. However, the top housing of the Jacaranda being made of polycarbonate will result in a different sound profile compared to the Quinn's nylon top housing. The stiff nature of polycarbonate in the Jacaranda creates a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nature of nylon in the Quinn creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, even though the bottom housing may provide a similar typing experience, the top housing will significantly impact the overall sound profile of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the PH Studio Jacaranda's use of polycarbonate for its top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it ideal for those looking for a visually appealing switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn's nylon top housing may not allow for RGB lighting to be as prominent. Both switches offer a classic switch housing material in nylon for their bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the choice between the Jacaranda and the Quinn will come down to whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Jacaranda or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Quinn.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Quinn has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, giving a more pronounced typing feel. The lighter force of the Jacaranda makes it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier force of the Quinn suits those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both have relatively short travel distances, with the Jacaranda measuring at 3.5 mm and the Quinn at 3.4 mm. While the difference in distance is minimal, it may still be noticeable to some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Jacaranda's slightly longer travel distance may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the key compared to the Quinn. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, providing a crisp and bright sound with each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch presents a bassy and resonant sound profile, giving users a more rich and immersive typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a distinct sound signature that enhances the overall typing feel, with the Jacaranda being more clacky and high-pitched, while the Quinn offers a deeper and resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the contrary, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a snappy and polished feel, ensuring a responsive and refined typing sensation. Additionally, the Quinn switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds an element of liveliness to each keystroke. While the Jacaranda focuses on smoothness, the Quinn switch emphasizes responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky typing experience, while the Quinn switch delivers a bassy and resonant sound with a snappy and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences in terms of sound and typing feel, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of these two switches to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it all boils down to your preferences and typing style. If you value a light key press and a bouncy sensation with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound, the Quinn switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully before making your decision, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches is a personal one that depends on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
