PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Sakura offer two distinct yet appealing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, is renowned for its delightful bounce and crisp, clacky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the hassle of additional force; its gentle bottom-out weight of 43.5g ensures comfortable typing, minimizing finger fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, the Huano Sakura provides an incredibly light touch, designed for prolonged use with its medium acoustic profile, perfect for users who prioritize silence and smooth keystrokes over auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, giving users the opportunity to choose between a more engaging auditory experience and a whisper-quiet, effortless glide. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you!
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Sakura, one notable distinction arises with regard to the top housing. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear resonance, allowing intricate sound nuances to shine through, which is particularly beneficial for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK top housing made from polyketone. While POK does provide unique advantages in terms of friction and durability, it may not achieve the same higher-pitched brightness as polycarbonate. Nevertheless, both materials strive for clarity; thus, both switches can yield comparable sound quality, albeit through different acoustic properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jacaranda and the Sakura utilize nylon, a classic choice that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material adds a level of consistency in the overall auditory experience of both switches, as nylon absorbs more sound energy than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound signature. This similarity in bottom housing construction ensures that users will have a unified sound quality when bottoming out on either switch. Consequently, while the top housings differ, the sound profile provided by the nylon bottom housing harmonizes their overall acoustic characteristics.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in the top and bottom housings of the Jacaranda and Sakura switches showcases both their contrasting and complementary attributes. The polycarbonate top of the Jacaranda may produce a brighter sound, while the POK top of the Sakura might yield a more controlled response. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a deep, well-rounded auditory experience. This coexistence of different top materials, coupled with a consistent bottom housing, leads to switches that are distinct yet familiar, appealing to various preferences in sound and feel during usage.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, some notable differences and similarities emerge. The Jacaranda features an actuation force of 39 grams, while the Sakura is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning that once fully pressed down, they require the same level of force to reach the base. This indicates that while the Jacaranda provides a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke, both switches will bottom out with the same amount of force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Huano Sakura may be the more appealing choice; however, those who enjoy a more substantial feel might lean towards the Jacaranda due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the user's preference for weight and feedback during typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jacaranda switch provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Sakura switch, making it potentially ideal for users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, providing a slightly more traditional feel. In summary, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Jacaranda could be the better choice, while the Sakura might be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 comparing the sound profiles of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Sakura linear switches, the Jacaranda clearly stands out with its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. It produces a crisp and audible feedback that creates a vibrant auditory experience. The sound is sharp and resonant, making it suitable for those who prefer an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura switches are noted for their medium acoustics, suggesting they provide a more subdued auditory feedback. While the Jacaranda's lively sound can bring a sense of excitement to typing, the Sakura's quieter profile may appeal to users looking for a more subdued experience.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda excels with its silky smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. The gently weighted bottom-out of 43.5g, complemented by an extended 22mm spring, provides a bouncy sensation which contributes to a delightful tactile experience. The smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing for seamless key presses and releases. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Sakura switches, which leaves an important aspect of the typing experience unaddressed for comparison.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a distinct typing experience characterized by its clacky sound and silky feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. The Huano Sakura, with its lighter touch and medium acoustics, might cater to those who prefer quieter and potentially softer typing sessions, though its exact tactile qualities remain unspecified. Users should consider their personal preferences in sound and feel when choosing between these two switches, as they will produce noticeably different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Sakura linear switches really depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a light touch with a bouncy feel and appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, then the Jacaranda is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and silky smoothness make it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and might engage in both gaming and fast-paced writing. Conversely, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience, especially for long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch will serve you well with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant feel with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, so it truly boils down to whether you’re inclined towards a more resonant sound and feel or a subtle and quiet operation. By evaluating your typing style and identifying which aspects matter most to you—be it sound, feedback, or overall smoothness—you can make a well-informed choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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