PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jacaranda stands out with its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it easy on the fingers and perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. Its clacky sound signature and extended 22mm spring provide a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, elevating the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Jacaranda is characterized as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, the Taro is described as neutral, buttery, and stepped. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but it ultimately depends on the individual preferences of the user. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for switches intending to use RGB lighting. However, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the classic switch material's ability to create a deeper typing experience.
In terms of sound quality, both switches offer unique characteristics depending on their housing materials. The Jacaranda's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, with the top housing contributing to the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the Taro's use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing creates a balance between crispness and fullness in sound, showcasing the different roles each housing material plays in the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Jwick Taro have similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound profile with the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper and fuller sound experience with the Taro's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound characteristics.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch. The Jacaranda requires 39 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial push feel during typing. While the actuation force for the Taro switch is unknown, the bottom out force indicates a medium-heavy weight compared to the Jacaranda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Jacaranda would provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the Taro. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Taro may be the better option due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 auditory experience, thanks to its sharp and snappy sound profile. This produces a crisp and bright feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of acoustics suitable for various typing environments. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound output, with the Jacaranda leaning towards a more pronounced and percussive tone compared to the Taro's more balanced approach.
Moving on to the feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This allows for a comfortable and effortless typing session, reducing finger fatigue even during prolonged use. Conversely, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery, providing a fluid and seamless keystroke experience. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile sensation, offering a mild bump and distinct stages during the keystroke for added tactility. Both switches offer a unique tactile feel that enhances the typing experience, with the Jacaranda focusing on smoothness and the Taro emphasizing a buttery and stepped sensation.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch each bring their own distinct qualities to the table. While the Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a silky smooth typing feel, the Taro offers a neutral sound experience coupled with a buttery and stepped tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can achieve satisfying results with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a light bottom-out force, a bouncy typing sensation, and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a snappy tactility, and a neutral sound profile, the Taro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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