PH Studio Jacaranda vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch are two excellent options to consider. The Jacaranda offers a gentle bottom-out pressure of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and great for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. With a clacky sound signature and a uniquely bouncy sensation thanks to its extended 22mm spring, the Jacaranda provides a crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
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
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
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the TTC Silent Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. By having the same material for the top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on either switch, with a focus on clarity and resonance.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Jacaranda features nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share this nylon material for the bottom housing, ensuring consistency in sound when typing on either switch.
The split between the top and bottom housings of a switch allows for a balanced typing experience, where the qualities of each material are showcased in different aspects of typing. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Jacaranda and the Silent Brown, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch contributes to a well-rounded typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Jacaranda switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Jacaranda switch also comes out lighter at 45 grams, while the Silent Brown switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Brown switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Jacaranda switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more tactile and robust typing experience may lean towards the Silent Brown switch. 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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, with the Jacaranda being slightly shorter than the Silent Brown. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Jacaranda due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Silent Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and sharp auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch boasts a muted sound profile, contributing to a quieter typing experience overall. Depending on personal preference, the Jacaranda's clacky sound may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and distinctive typing noise, while the Silent Brown's muted sound might be preferred by users looking for a more discreet typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is described as having a silky typing experience, offering a smooth and minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is said to provide a buttery and mild typing sensation, delivering a seamless and gentle keystroke experience. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Jacaranda emphasizing smoothness and reduced resistance, and the Silent Brown focusing on a gentle and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its bouncy sensation, clacky sound, and silky feel, making it a great option for those seeking a unique and smooth typing experience with audible feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch excels in providing a comfortable typing experience with a muted sound profile and a buttery feel. Both switches offer their own set of qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important for newcomers to consider their desired typing experience and sound profile when choosing between the two. Overall, whether opting for the Jacaranda or the Silent Brown, users can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing sensation, the Jacaranda switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a more muted sound profile with a comfortable rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing preferences and needs carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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