PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch manufactured by KTT, is praised for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and perfect for long typing sessions. Its clacky sound signature provides a satisfying audible feedback with each press, while the extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy sensation to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch by Gateron is a silent variation ideal for quiet environments. Offering a plush, cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a tactile and resonant typing experience, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and clacky sound. While both materials result in a higher-pitched sound, the polycarbonate is described as creating a more resonant sound compared to the INK blend which is characterized as clacky.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, creating a satisfying and clacky typing experience. While both bottom housings bring unique qualities to the switches, the nylon excels in providing a rounder sound compared to the pointed sound produced by the INK blend.
Although the housing materials for the top and bottom differ between the Jacaranda and the Silent Ink Black, the characteristics they bring to the switches are split between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing or a clacky sound from the INK blend top housing.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is significantly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. The Jacaranda requires only 39 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch has a much higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push feel or want a more pronounced typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Both switches offer different experiences with their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for response or depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in keyboard switches.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. This gives a distinct audible feedback with each keystroke, making typing on it a satisfying experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound that is softer and quieter, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. This switch prioritizes a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smoothness of each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, both the Jacaranda and the Silent Ink Black switches offer a silky typing experience. This means that both switches are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth feeling with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch is noted for its polished finish, which adds to the overall sleekness of the typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Overall, both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for the user.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing sensation, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a muted sound for quieter environments. Both switches offer a silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth and comfortable feel for users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, typing experience, and the noise levels acceptable in your specific typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prioritize a light typing sensation with a bouncy feedback, along with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a medium-heavy switch with a silent operation and a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black would suit your needs better. Ultimately, understanding your typing preferences and environment will help you determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Mentioned in this article
