PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both linear switches. The Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, offers a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ideal for fatigue-free typing. Its unique 22mm spring provides a bouncy sensation to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed for gamers, with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and efficient keystrokes. While the Jacaranda leans towards a clacky sound signature, the V3 Silver Pro produces a pleasing bassy sound with each press. Ultimately, both switches have their own advantages and it's important to delve deeper to determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Jacaranda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housings to create a sharp and clear sound profile, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The split in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials providing users with varying sound profiles and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Silver Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback. Both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Jacaranda or a rounder sound with the Silver Pro, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both switches have a light actuation force and bottom out force. The Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either of these switches would be suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. The slight difference in actuation force may not be noticeable in actual use, making the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference rather than performance.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. While the Jacaranda has a slightly longer travel distance, the difference of 0.2 mm is minimal and may not be noticeably different in actual usage. Ultimately, both switches offer a short travel distance that enhances speed and responsiveness, catering to users who prioritize these qualities in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 sound signature with a crisp and audible feedback, thanks to its design. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, which may cater more towards those who prefer sharper tones. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, but users can expect distinct characteristics from each.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch is renowned for offering a silky typing experience, characterized by exceptionally smooth key presses that enhance overall typing feel and reduce resistance. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate keys and providing a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. The V3 Silver Pro also offers a creamy sensation, making typing feel like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. These differences in feel cater to different preferences and typing styles, with the Jacaranda focusing on smoothness and the V3 Silver Pro emphasizing ease of use and comfort.
Considering all available information, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jacaranda provides a clacky sound and silky typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro boasts a high-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press keys. Both switches have been designed with specific user preferences in mind, catering to different typing styles and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience. However, users can expect a tailored and satisfying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a gentle bottom-out force, a bouncy typing sensation, and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize easy-to-press switches with a shortened travel distance for fast and responsive keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro might better suit your needs, especially for gaming. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a switch that offers a unique typing experience with a bouncy feel and clacky sound (Jacaranda) or one that prioritizes effortless keystrokes and quick response times (V3 Silver Pro). So, consider your preferences and requirements to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
