PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Sunset Yellow 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow offer unique characteristics to consider. The Jacaranda, a linear switch known for its gentle bottom-out and clacky sound signature, provides a fatigue-free typing experience with its bouncy 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow linear switch boasts a rich, bassy sound profile and a distinct gliding feel due to its Ly stem and factory lube method. While the Jacaranda leans towards a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy and thocky typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Jacaranda allows for RGB lighting to shine through, while the Sunset Yellow's POM housing may not offer the same level of translucency. However, both materials are known for their unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound, and POM providing a pleasing deep tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Jacaranda utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This contrasts with the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing, which also creates a deep and muted sound. While the materials differ between the two switches, both the nylon and POM housings offer their own unique contributions to the overall sound profile of the switches.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer distinct sound profiles based on their different housing materials. While the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Jacaranda creates a fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow adds to its unique sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is lighter than the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Jacaranda requires 39 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Sunset Yellow needs 43 grams to actuate and 51 grams to bottom out. The Jacaranda switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a slightly heavier feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel, with the main difference being the slightly lighter touch of the Jacaranda switch compared to the Sunset Yellow.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their quicker response times, especially among gamers. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Jacaranda to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts the overall typing or gaming experience.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing crisp and bright feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound, offering a deep and rich auditory experience. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Jacaranda leans towards a sharper and percussive sound, whereas the Sunset Yellow provides a more indulgent and resonant typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as creamy and frictionless, providing a buttery and effortless typing sensation with a fluid key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel, but the Jacaranda focuses more on a polished and refined finish, while the Sunset Yellow highlights a silky and frictionless glide across the keys.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jacaranda offers a sharper and more bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a silky feel, the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper and richer typing experience with a bassy sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper and percussive sound of the Jacaranda or the indulgent and resonant sound of the Sunset Yellow for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch if you prefer a light bottom-out force, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a silky typing feel. This switch offers a bouncy sensation with every keystroke and ensures a fatigue-free typing experience. On the other hand, you should opt for the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a creamy or frictionless typing feel. These switches provide a rich and indulgent typing experience with their unique sound and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice between the Jacaranda and Sunset Yellow switches will depend on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.