PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer two unique options, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda switch, crafted by KTT, is lauded for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a fatigue-free typing experience. Its clacky sound signature and extended 22mm spring contribute to a bouncy and engaging keystroke that many users find pleasurable, particularly for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes smoothness, featuring Ly stems that ensure effortless key presses with a resonant sound profile. While the Tomcat may appeal to those who prioritize a consistent and seamless typing feel, the Jacaranda’s unique auditory and tactile feedback may be more enticing to users who enjoy a bit of character with each stroke. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
64g
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
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature similar material choices for their top and bottom housings, which results in comparable sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Both switches employ polycarbonate for the top housing, a material known for its stiffness and optical clarity. As such, this common choice enhances the acoustic properties of each switch, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who favor RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant light diffusion, enriching the visual experience of both switches despite their different branding.
Contrasting the top housing materials, the Jacaranda and the Tomcat (Heavy) diverge when examining their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. Nylon's softer characteristics contribute significantly to the auditory experience, providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material's ability to absorb sound contrasts sharply with the more resonant qualities displayed by polycarbonate, ensuring that the overall tonal balance of each switch is well-rounded. Consequently, while both switches share a polycarbonate top for enhanced clarity, their nylon bottoms help ground the sound, preserving a rich auditory experience that many typists seek.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Jacaranda and the Tomcat (Heavy) yields a harmonious blend of sound dynamics, balancing clarity with richness. While the acoustics and aesthetics may appear aligned due to their shared materials, it is the distinct roles each housing plays—top for sharpness and clarity, bottom for warmth and fullness—that defines the character of the switch. As such, users of both switches can expect to enjoy similar sonic results, making each switch not only functional but also appealing for various typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight their suitability for different user preferences. The Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. This makes the Jacaranda the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a heavier switch for individuals who appreciate a firmer resistance. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that users can expect a distinct typing experience from each switch, with the Jacaranda facilitating ease and comfort and the Tomcat (Heavy) providing a more robust feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we see a slight difference: the Jacaranda has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive experience, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may be preferred by those who like a bit more depth in their keystrokes, as it offers a more pronounced tactile response. Both switches cater to different user preferences, ensuring that whether you opt for the Jacaranda or the Tomcat, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on your individual style.
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 (Heavy) 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 comparing the sound profiles of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Jacaranda undeniably stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Each keystroke produces a sharp and snappy noise that enhances the auditory feedback during typing, making it feel vibrant and dynamic. The resonant quality of the Jacaranda further amplifies this experience, ensuring that each press is accompanied by a clean and crisp tone. In contrast, detailed information about the sound produced by the Tomcat (Heavy) remains unspecified. Therefore, while the Jacaranda provides an engaging auditory experience, the Tomcat's sound profile lacks elaboration, leaving uncertainty in this comparison.
Looking at the feel of these switches, the Jacaranda excels with its exceptionally silky typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance during both pressing and releasing keys, creating an effortless sensation that contributes to prolonged comfort and reduced typing fatigue. The gentle bottom-out at 43.5g enhances its user-friendliness, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, specifics regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are not provided. Consequently, while the Jacaranda clearly offers a refined tactile experience, the Tomcat's characteristics in this aspect remain unknown.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch presents a vibrant auditory experience marked by its distinct clackiness and resonant qualities, coupled with an exceptionally silky feel that guarantees enhanced comfort during use. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch lacks detailed sound and feel descriptors, leading to a gap in comparability. Overall, if you're drawn to smooth, crisp, and lively typing experiences, the Jacaranda would likely serve you well, while the unknown qualities of the Tomcat leave its overall performance open to exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience and the type of tasks you perform. If you prioritize a light touch and enjoy the sensation of a bouncy feel with a distinctly clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda will likely suit you well. Its gentle bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring your fingers won't tire easily, which is particularly beneficial if you spend hours at the keyboard for work or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and appreciate a smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 64 grams, the Tomcat switch will serve you better. This switch promotes precision and control, which can be advantageous for tasks requiring deliberate keystrokes or gaming sessions where each action matters. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what matters most to you—whether it's softness and bounce with crisp feedback or a heavier, more robust typing feel that still delivers smooth performance.
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