PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch may both fall under the same category, but they offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Jacaranda is revered for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, providing a fatigue-free typing experience with a clacky sound signature and a bouncy sensation from its extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a captivating selection of pastel colors, a dry and airy typing experience despite its 62g bottom-out force, and a uniquely hollow sound signature. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a tactile feedback and bouncy sensation, the Sea Glass boasts a smooth and weightless typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Sea Glass provide unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a more pleasant and brighter sound. Both materials have their own advantages, with polycarbonate being stiffer for a clearer resonant sound and the blend offering a unique balance of sound qualities.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing still offers a pleasant sound that is a bit brighter. While both materials differ in their sound profile contributions, they each play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of the switches.
In conclusion, while the top and bottom housings of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock Sea Glass switches have different materials, they both bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The split characteristics between the top and bottom housing allow for a diverse sound profile that combines sharpness, brightness, depth, and fullness. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the unique blend of the Sea Glass, both switches offer a quality typing experience with distinct housing materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The Jacaranda offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Glass provides a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to users looking for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Jacaranda being lighter and the Sea Glass being heavier, catering to different preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may lean towards the Jacaranda for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch boasts a uniquely hollow sound signature, offering a distinct dryness and airiness while typing. Depending on your preference, the Jacaranda's sound may be more energetic and percussive, while the Sea Glass's sound may evoke a sense of space and openness.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switch is known for being frictionless, providing an effortless and fluid travel while typing. Additionally, Durock's Sea Glass switch is described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a clacky sound profile and silky feel, the Jacaranda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a hollow sound signature and a frictionless, mild typing experience, the Sea Glass switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should take into account your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and a bouncy sensation with a clacky sound, then the Jacaranda switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a weightless feel and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, then the Sea Glass switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align more with your personal preferences and typing style.
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