PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and HC Studio Roselle are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics. The Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, offers a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ideal for fatigue-free typing. Its clacky sound signature and extended 22mm spring provide a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its inherent material blend that delivers an incredibly smooth and wispy sensation when typing. Additionally, it offers a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. When considering which switch to choose, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value most in a keyboard switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the HC Studio Roselle both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Roselle's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Jacaranda allows for a clearer and resonant sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Roselle offers a more mellow and soothing typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches provide a pleasing sound profile that caters to different preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Jacaranda's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, in contrast to the Roselle's POM bottom housing that also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. However, both housing materials provide a unique typing experience that enhances the overall sound profile of the switches. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both the Jacaranda and the Roselle offer options to cater to varying preferences.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HC Studio Roselle play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the Jacaranda features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing respectively, the Roselle utilizes POM material for both components. Each housing material brings its own qualities to the switch, affecting the sound and feel when typing. Whether you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Roselle's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. The Jacaranda also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Roselle has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Jacaranda is overall a lighter switch compared to the Roselle. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience with less force required, the Jacaranda would be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance and a substantial typing feel may opt for the Roselle. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, the Jacaranda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. While the 0.1 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch produces a more bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deeper and richer tone during typing. If you enjoy a sharp and bright sound, the Jacaranda would be a great choice, whereas if you prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, the Roselle might be more appealing.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the Roselle provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, ensuring effortless key presses with a fluid travel. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between silky smoothness and frictionless ease may come down to personal preference.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky sound with a bouncy sensation and a silky smooth typing feel, while the Roselle delivers a bassy sound with an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Jacaranda or the Roselle, you can expect a quality linear switch that enhances your typing experience with its distinctive sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom-out force and value an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a bassy sound profile, the Roselle switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom-out force, typing feel, and sound signature.
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