PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, you are faced with two distinct options. The Jacaranda offers a smooth and fatigue-free typing experience with its gentle 43.5g actuation force and extended 22mm spring, providing a bouncy sensation with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda brings a light-medium tactility alongside a bassier bottom-out and a clackier top-out sound for a unique typing experience. While the Jacaranda leans towards a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Red Panda falls under a thocky, mild category. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings in both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the distinction between the materials used in the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience. In switches like the Jacaranda, where the top housing is polycarbonate and the bottom is nylon, the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This split in housing materials can provide a unique typing experience that combines the properties of both polycarbonate and nylon.
Overall, the choice between a switch with polycarbonate or nylon housing ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound suitable for RGB lighting effects, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Understanding how each housing material impacts the typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel. Whether opting for the Jacaranda or the Red Panda, users can expect high-quality performance and unique sound profiles from switches with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Jacaranda is 45 grams, while the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Jacaranda provides a softer and easier typing experience with its lighter forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience with its heavier forces, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Jacaranda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Red Panda, may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance, like that of the Jacaranda, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Panda comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and sharp auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as thocky, offering a deep and satisfying sound reminiscent of a soft thud or knock. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is praised for its silky smooth typing sensation, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Red Panda is described as offering a mild tactile feedback, delivering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The feel of a switch is a critical aspect of the typing experience, and choosing between the silky smoothness of the Jacaranda or the mild tactility of the Red Panda will depend on individual preferences.
When considering all the available information, it is evident that the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth typing feel, the Red Panda stands out for its thocky sound and mild tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Experimenting with different switches on various keyboards and keycaps will help determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light keystroke with a bouncy sensation and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom-out force and a thocky sound profile, the Red Panda could be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision on which switch would enhance your typing experience the most. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing habits and preferences.
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