PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches but offer distinctly different experiences. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out, which makes for comfortable, fatigue-free typing sessions. Its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, while the unique 22mm extended spring provides a bouncy feel that enhances the tactile feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a super smooth typing experience, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overwhelmingly resonant. For those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience without sacrificing smoothness, the Strawberry Latte could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each offer compelling reasons to be favored. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the differences in their top materials highlight unique sound profiles and functionalities. The Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which enhances sound clarity and makes it particularly conducive for RGB lighting. The stiffer polycarbonate not only allows for a brighter and crisper sound but also serves an aesthetic purpose, as its clear nature showcases any integrated lighting features beautifully. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, a polyketone material lauded for its smoothness and durability. With a low coefficient of friction, POK contributes to a sleek keypress experience while still providing a solid clacky sound profile. Although both materials offer distinct advantages, the polycarbonate top of the Jacaranda excels in producing a sharper sound ideal for a vivid auditory experience, while the POK ensures functionality and longevity.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Jacaranda and the Strawberry Latte opt for nylon, a traditional choice renowned for its sound-dampening qualities. Nylon’s inherent softness results in a deeper, more resonant sound profile, which is evident in both switches. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that each switch produces a fuller and rounder sound during typing. This shared characteristic means that both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback with a sound signature that many users appreciate, fostering a familiar experience regardless of the top material used.
In summary, while the top housings of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Huano Strawberry Latte introduce contrasting elements to their respective sound profiles, the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housings provides a common auditory foundation. This dual-material setup divides the sound characteristics between the top and bottom of the switches: the sharper notes from the Jacaranda’s polycarbonate top and the smoother, clackier response from the Strawberry Latte’s POK top complement the deep tones developed by the nylon bottom. Ultimately, users can achieve satisfying typographic results with both switches, as the combination of materials ensures that the strengths of each housing type are effectively balanced to create a compelling typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both options display relatively light characteristics, though they differ slightly in actuation force. The Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is even lighter at 35 grams, making the latter the easier option to press initially. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning they provide a comparable bottoming out experience. This similarity in bottom out force ensures that both switches will produce a satisfying typing feel when pressed down completely, despite the difference in actuation forces. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may prefer the slightly heftier Jacaranda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter option, making it more appealing for gamers or users who favor faster response times due to its reduced distance. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, may provide a more cushioned feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of contemporary travel distances, but the subtle difference means that while you might achieve responsive results with either switch, the Jacaranda offers a more immediate actuation, while the Strawberry Latte offers a bit more depth before bottoming out.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its clacky nature. It produces a sharp, crisp, and high-pitched sound with each keystroke, anticipated to provide an engaging and lively typing atmosphere. The clacking is further complemented by a resonant quality that enhances the auditory experience, making each key press feel immersive. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a more balanced sound profile. While it is not as pronounced as the Jacaranda, the Strawberry Latte does not lean towards being overly quiet, striking a mid-range tone that is pleasant but less resonant and sharp. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound, but the Jacaranda might appeal more to those seeking a pronounced auditory feedback, while the Strawberry Latte caters to users who prefer subtler sound dynamics.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Jacaranda excels with its silky sensation, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The smooth operation minimizes resistance throughout key presses, making it conducive for prolonged periods of typing without fatigue. This is further enhanced by its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g and the bouncy nature provided by the extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Huano Strawberry Latte remain less specified in available data, leaving the smoothness and overall feel somewhat unknown. However, the Jacaranda's silky quality stands out, ensuring a superior tactile experience for users seeking comfort and responsiveness on the keyboard.
In summary, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch delivers a vibrant auditory experience alongside an exceptionally smooth feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced sound and bouncy keystrokes. The Huano Strawberry Latte, while providing a more balanced and less intrusive sound profile, lacks detailed feedback on its feel, leaving its tactile experience somewhat undefined. If sound characteristics are the priority, the Jacaranda switch is likely to create a more delightful auditory landscape, while the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those looking for a subtler approach. Ultimately, both switches offer unique strengths, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re looking for a bouncier feel and enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice. Its 22mm spring and clacky sound signature provide an engaging typing experience that can help you stay alert during long sessions, making it ideal for both gaming and extended typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and balanced sound profile without being overly loud, the Strawberry Latte might be the better option. It offers a reliable, pleasant typing experience that’s perfect for quieter environments, allowing you to work effectively without distraction. Both switches feature a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, but the Jacaranda’s unique characteristics will cater to those who appreciate a bit more feedback and energy in their keystrokes, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more subdued feel, perfect for a smoother and simpler typing experience. So weigh these factors based on your needs to make an informed decision about which switch will enhance your keyboard experience the most.
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