PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders are the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, offers a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it remarkably easy on the fingers and ideal for long typing sessions without the threat of fatigue. Its clacky and high-pitched sound signature provides an audible feedback that many users find satisfying, while the unique 22mm spring adds an exhilarating bounciness to each keystroke, elevating the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is recognized for its medium-weight design and POM material, which not only breaks the price barrier for quality switches but also delivers a smooth and thocky feel with every press—perfect for users who appreciate a more subdued yet reassuring typing experience. Each switch has its merits, making them suitable for different types of users; whether you seek a crisp and lively feedback or a smooth, soft touch, both switches offer compelling options. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, resulting in distinct auditory profiles. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances resonance and clarity. Its translucency also makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which delivers a deeper and more muted sound profile. Although both materials contribute uniquely, polycarbonate is more suited for those seeking brightness and clarity, while POM favors a warmer and rounder sound.
When examining the bottom housing, the Jacaranda utilizes nylon, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound. This selection results in a fuller sound profile, as the softer nature of nylon dampens vibrations and creates a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM bottom housing, similar to its top housing, which also offers a deeper and pleasingly muted sound. Thus, both switches share a commonality in utilizing POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie, but diverge with the Jacaranda's use of nylon, which produces a distinctly different auditory quality owing to its sound-absorbing properties.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Jacaranda and the Sea Salt Smoothie showcase the diverse ways in which sound profiles can be engineered in mechanical switches. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda emphasizes brightness and clarity, the POM top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a deeper, more muted tone. However, both switches aim for high-quality sound experiences; if one were to mix and match components, similar results could be achieved by carefully balancing the properties of each material with the desired sound profile, emphasizing the importance of both the top and bottom housings in dictating the overall auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push feel for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty about its overall resistance when pressed fully down. Overall, the Jacaranda is the lighter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a heftier actuation force. If the bottom-out experience aligns with the Jacaranda’s measurements, users of the Sea Salt Smoothie may still find satisfaction in the experience they provide, albeit with a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference, though slight, can significantly impact the typing experience. Gamers might lean towards the Jacaranda for its more responsive feel, as a shorter travel distance often allows for quicker key actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing depth may opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, enjoying its slightly deeper travel. In conclusion, if you seek speed and responsiveness, the Jacaranda would be the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those desiring a more rounded keystroke 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch delivers a distinctly clacky auditory profile that can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound is further complemented by a higher pitch, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. Users can expect a resonant quality with each keystroke, resulting in a sharp and clean sound signature that can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is described as thocky, which suggests a deeper and richer sound, but specific descriptors are unavailable for further analysis. Overall, while the Jacaranda offers a sharp, high-pitched experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie veers towards a lower, more muted thock sound.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is noted for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless pressing and releasing of keys, making it ideal for users who prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie are not detailed, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its feel. However, Gateron switches generally maintain good smoothness, suggesting that it may also provide a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky feel, offering a distinctive typing experience that would appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback and fluid keystrokes. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking detailed descriptors about its sound and feel, is known for its thocky sound and high-quality construction, indicating it likely offers a satisfying experience as well. While the unique characteristics of each switch may cater to different preferences, both can deliver high-quality typing experiences in their own rights. Choosing between them ultimately depends on personal taste for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a lighter key feel with a distinct auditory feedback, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force, combined with the clacky and resonant sound profile, provides an engaging typing experience that is not only smooth but also invigorating. Moreover, the unique bounciness offered by its extended spring can add an enjoyable element to your typing sessions, especially if you're looking for a switch that helps minimize finger fatigue during long hours of use. On the other hand, if you seek a reliable and medium-weight option that excels in providing a thocky sound profile alongside smooth operation, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suitable for you. While its bottom-out force is unspecified, it's known for its exceptional quality and smoothness, which can enhance your overall experience, particularly for users who prefer a more subdued sound when typing. Ultimately, both switches bring unique qualities to your keyboard, so consider your priorities: vibrant auditory feedback versus a balanced and smooth typing feel.
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