PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer unique characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, is renowned for its lively and bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm spring and a gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it not only easy on the fingers but also providing a crisp, clacky auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and resonant experience while typing, enhancing the enjoyment of each keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Sakura switches boast an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force and are designed to create a tranquil and discreet typing atmosphere, making them perfect for those who prioritize a quiet workspace or share an environment with others. While the Jacaranda offers an engaging and responsive feel ideal for a more dynamic typing experience, the Silent Sakura excels in providing a serene and noise-free option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g exhibit contrasting approaches to housing materials, which significantly affect their acoustic characteristics and overall feel during use. The Jacaranda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This permits a cleaner and more resonant tone, making it an advantageous choice for those who appreciate the clarity in auditory feedback while typing. The polycarbonate's translucency also plays a practical role in aesthetic display, especially for setups featuring RGB lighting, thereby elevating the overall visual appeal of the keyboard experience.
In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer material properties. This absorption of sound creates a duller and rounder auditory signature, leading to a typing experience that some users might find more pleasant for prolonged use, particularly in quieter environments. The use of nylon also contributes to a more cushioned feel when typing, as the material tends to dampen the impact of keystrokes, making it suitable for users who prioritize a muted sound experience over sharpness.
While the two switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately cater to different preferences for sound and feedback. The bottom housing of the Jacaranda, made from nylon, supports this notion of a fuller sound, while the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing brings back a clearer resonance. If users are looking for a balanced performance that combines the qualities of both sound profiles, they might find similar results from these switches by considering their respective top and bottom housing pairs. This meticulous interplay between materials ensures that despite the differing characteristics of the top and bottom housings, either switch can provide a rewarding typing experience tailored to the user's auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda features an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter option overall. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, which is advantageous for users who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the Jacaranda's heavier bottom out force might appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel when bottoming out. In summary, if you prefer a lighter and smoother keystroke, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while the Jacaranda offers a slightly firmer bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Jacaranda features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel that is favored by gamers, the Jacaranda's shorter travel distance might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a key feel with a heartier depth, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm distance might provide a more satisfying experience. While both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, the Jacaranda is the shorter option, while the Silent Sakura is the longer one.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky quality, producing a crisp and high-pitched auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound is enhanced by its resonant nature, giving users an immersive and sharp auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to raindrops gently falling on a window. Although details about the sound signature of the Silent Sakura are lacking, it is suggested that its design prioritizes minimal noise, making it suitable for quieter environments where distraction is to be avoided.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda excels with its smooth and silky typing experience. The switch minimizes resistance during presses, providing an effortless keystroke that feels delightful under the fingers. This is complemented by the unique bounciness imparted by the extended 22mm spring, enhancing the tactile sensation and overall responsiveness. The Silent Sakura, however, does not have specific tactile descriptions available, leaving its feel somewhat ambiguous. Despite its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, which implies ease of actuation, the exact characteristics of the typing experience remain uncertain.
Taking into account both switches' sound and feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda presents itself as a more expressive option for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a smooth typing sensation, while the HMX Silent Sakura appeals to those who seek a peaceful and unobtrusive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you value sound and tactile richness or prioritize a quiet ambiance while typing. Each switch can offer a distinct experience based on individual preferences, emphasizing the importance of personal taste in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging experience with a lively sound signature, the Jacaranda is likely to be your go-to option. Its clacky and resonant sound profile, combined with the distinctive bounce from the extended 22mm spring, creates a delightful feedback that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you're using your keyboard in a more casual setting where sound isn’t a major concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing atmosphere, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for you. Its ultra-light bottom-out force and whisper-quiet operation make it ideal for shared workspaces or settings where noise is a consideration, while still providing a smooth typing feel. Therefore, assess your typing habits, the environments in which you'll mostly be using the keyboard, and your desired auditory experience; these factors will guide you in making the most suitable choice between these two excellent switches.
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