PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the experience can vary greatly depending on your choice, and two standout options are the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both of which are linear switches. The Jacaranda, created by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it a fantastic choice for those prioritizing comfort and fatigue-free typing sessions. Its clacky sound signature offers a crisp auditory feedback, complemented by a unique bouncy sensation due to its extended 22mm spring, promising an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, is noted for its blend of materials that delivers a subtle yet satisfying top-out, along with HMX's renowned factory lubrication – ensuring smooth keystrokes right from the start. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a more lively and resonant feel, the Sunset Gleam offers a refined and buttery typing experience. Each switch presents its unique allure, catering to different preferences in your mechanical typing journey. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a notable similarity in their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, a characteristic that can immensely enhance the auditory experience for users. This material’s inherent stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, making it ideal for applications where clear audio is paramount. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for excellent light diffusion, which is a significant advantage for keyboard enthusiasts who wish to showcase RGB lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jacaranda and Sunset Gleam employ nylon, a classic choice recognized for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound. This contributes to the overall acoustic character of the switches by softening the impact sound when the keys bottom out. This complementary pairing between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom means that while the top housing promotes clarity and resonance, the bottom housing balances this with warmth and depth in the key response.
Ultimately, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and HMX Sunset Gleam aim for a harmonious interaction between their top and bottom housing materials. The shared characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon ensure that users will enjoy a consistent auditory experience, where the brightness of the top housing and the warmth of the bottom housing blend together to create a rich and pleasing sound profile. Even though the materials serve distinct purposes, their synergy reflects a thoughtful design choice that will resonate with keyboard enthusiasts looking for a balance of clarity and fullness in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda has a slightly lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Sunset Gleam's 42 grams, making the Jacaranda easier to press and potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Additionally, the Jacaranda's bottom out force is 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam has a marginally higher bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches are classified as light switches overall, but users seeking a lighter touch would likely prefer the Jacaranda for its lower forces. Conversely, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they provide identical sensations when pressed. This equal distance means that users can expect a similar feel and response from both switches, allowing for a consistent typing experience across devices utilizing either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users will likely notice no significant differences in performance or actuation, making them interchangeable in terms of tactile feedback.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 delivers a prominent clacky profile that is characterized by its sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback. This enhances the typing experience through an immersive auditory environment, as the high-pitched, resonant quality of each keystroke contributes to a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is less detailed in this aspect, making its specific auditory characteristics less clear. However, given its manufacture by HMX, known for producing quality switches, one might expect it to also provide an enjoyable sound, possibly with subtle nuances depending on keycaps and the board used.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda excels, offering a remarkably silky typing experience. The smoothness of the switch minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless keypresses that contribute to overall typing comfort. The gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g aids in fatigue-free typing over long periods. The lubricated nature of the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is noteworthy, as factory lubrication can enhance smoothness and provide a satisfying touch, although specific descriptors for its feel are not provided. Thus, while the tactile feedback of the Sunset Gleam might be enjoyable, it might not reach the silky experience that Jacaranda users often rave about.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Jacaranda and HMX Sunset Gleam switches share a lineage of quality craftsmanship, they differ in subjective experience. The Jacaranda is recognized for its crisp, clacky sound and silky smooth feel, enhancing its overall appeal for those who prioritize these qualities. The Sunset Gleam, while offering potentially satisfying characteristics and the benefit of excellent factory lubrication, leaves some of its auditory and tactile specifics less defined. Ultimately, keyboard enthusiasts may find that both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, yet the Jacaranda may edge ahead for those seeking a lively sound and unparalleled smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will depend on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bouncy feel with a distinctively clacky sound, the Jacaranda would be a fantastic fit for you. Its gentle bottom-out force of 45 grams combined with a unique 22mm spring creates a satisfying typing experience that is both smooth and fatigue-free. This makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where comfort and feedback are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that balances subtlety in sound with an excellent factory lube, the Sunset Gleam might be the right choice. Although slightly heavier with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, it offers a satisfying clack and superb overall feel, which might appeal to those who enjoy a slightly more substantial tactile sensation without compromising on sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; choose the Jacaranda for a light, bouncy, and resonant experience, or opt for the Sunset Gleam for a more balanced and subtly satisfying typing sound.
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