PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact both comfort and performance. The PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch crafted by KTT, is renowned for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it exceptionally easy on the fingers and ideal for extended typing sessions. Its clacky sound profile adds a crisp, audible feedback that many users find satisfying, while the extended 22mm spring provides a unique bouncy sensation that elevates the overall experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches boast a reputation for their super smooth operation, attributed to their Ly stems, which create a seamless typing experience. While the Tomcat also produces a resonant sound profile, it leans more towards a muted feedback compared to the Jacaranda's lively clack. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Jacaranda for those who enjoy a responsive, tactile experience with a bit of auditory flair, and the Tomcat for users seeking smoother transitions and quieter keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Tomcat, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound and enhances the clarity that typists and gamers alike would appreciate in their keystrokes. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate serves a functional purpose, especially for those who value RGB lighting in their keyboards, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively and create vibrant light effects. The result is a visually appealing aesthetic combined with a sound quality that is distinctive to polycarbonate-housed switches.
On the contrary, the bottom housings of both the Jacaranda and Tomcat switch models are made from nylon, which contrasts with the polycarbonate used in their tops. Nylon’s properties contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs more sound waves compared to its harder counterparts. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms provides users with a rounded auditory experience that can feel more satisfying and cushioned during use. This combination of materials enhances the overall typing experience, as the deeper sounds produced by the nylon bottom counterbalance the sharper tones emitted from the polycarbonate top. Therefore, even though the materials differ, both aspects of the switch work in harmonization to influence the user’s auditory and tactile perception.
In summary, the PH Studio Jacaranda and Bsun Tomcat switches exemplify how different housing materials can influence performance while using a hybrid approach of polycarbonate and nylon. While their sound profiles exhibit distinct characteristics due to the contrasting materials—polycarbonate for clarity and resonance, nylon for richness and depth—the unified design leads to a cohesive switch performance. As a result, users can anticipate a balanced experience where each housing material contributes to an extraordinary typing sound. Whether using the Jacaranda or the Tomcat, the result is a harmonious interface that balances sharper, lighter tones with warm, full-bodied sounds, ensuring that both options deliver a compelling auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and ideal for those who prefer a softer touch when interacting with their keyboard. In contrast, the Tomcat comes with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, which although categorized as medium-light, provides a heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches allow for comfortable typing, the Jacaranda is lighter overall, making it more conducive for prolonged use, whereas the Tomcat offers a firmer resistance that appeals to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker response time which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Jacaranda is the better choice, whereas if you favor a deeper keystroke, the Tomcat may suit your needs better.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound signature, which delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with every keystroke. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. Additionally, its sound is complemented by a resonant quality, providing a higher-pitched, clean, and immersive sound profile. In contrast, while specific descriptors for the Bsun Tomcat linear switch's sound are not provided, it has been noted that these switches also have a resonant sound profile. This suggests that users will likely experience a bright and sharp auditory feedback akin to that of the Jacaranda.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch excels with an exceptionally silky typing experience, designed to minimize resistance during use, which enhances the smoothness and fluidity of typing. The gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g also contributes to a fatigue-free typing experience. Unfortunately, no specific tactile feedback or smoothness information is available for the Tomcat switches, which leaves an unknown in how their feel compares with the Jacaranda.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and Bsun Tomcat linear switches are geared towards providing an enjoyable typing experience with their unique sound profiles, particularly resonant characteristics. The Jacaranda excels in delivering a gameplay-ready feel thanks to its silky smoothness and easy bottom-out. While the Tomcat also seems promising with its resonant sound, specific details about its tactile feedback remain undisclosed. Overall, if you prefer a crispy, clacky sound with a bouncy yet smooth touch, the Jacaranda might edge out ahead, but it's worth considering that both switches could offer satisfying results depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter keystroke with a gentle, bouncy feel, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions where fatigue-free performance is paramount. Its clacky, crisp sound adds an engaging auditory experience that can make typing more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force combined with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Tomcat may suit you better. Its resonant sound adds a distinct character to your keystrokes, which can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your selection should be guided by how much you value typing feel versus sound profile, and the specific context in which you will employ your keyboard. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal preferences and needs.
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