PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, with its gentle bottom-out and clacky sound signature, provides a tactile and audible typing experience that is easy on the fingers. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight that makes it accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but each excels in its own way. 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
59g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs less sound and results in a sharper, clearer sound.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Jacaranda and the Tourmaline Blue significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Jacaranda creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue leads to a more resonant and clear sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can greatly influence the typing experience and overall sound quality of a keyboard.
With the qualities of the housing materials being split between the top and bottom of each switch, users can expect a unique tactile experience depending on which keyboard they choose. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction emphasizes the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when selecting a keyboard, as they play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The Jacaranda would be better suited for those who prefer typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions, while the Tourmaline Blue would be more appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience, with the Jacaranda offering a lighter feel and the Tourmaline Blue providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances, with the Jacaranda having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Tourmaline Blue having a travel distance of 4 mm. While the Jacaranda offers a slightly shorter travel distance, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and may not result in a significant difference in feeling when used. Gamers may prefer the Jacaranda for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Tourmaline Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the feeling desired when typing or gaming.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. Depending on personal preference and other factors like keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches will vary in tone and richness.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch is characterized as buttery and easy-to-press, providing a fluid and effortless keystroke sensation that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the mild feel of the Tourmaline Blue switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone that appeals to most users, making it approachable and comfortable to type on.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force for a fatigue-free typing experience and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a bouncy sensation, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a deep, thocky sound profile with a balanced spring weight for an enjoyable typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
