PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between different options, each catering to unique preferences and typing experiences. The PH Studio Jacaranda switch, manufactured by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, providing comfortable and fatigue-free typing sessions. It boasts a clacky sound signature, delivering crisp, audible feedback with each keystroke, while its extended 22mm spring adds a delightful bounce that enhances the overall feel of the switch. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch also features linear mechanics but distinguishes itself with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, producing a slightly quieter sound while still retaining clacky characteristics intrinsic to HMX switches. While the Jacaranda excels in offering a bouncier and more resonant auditory experience, the Twilight caters to those who prefer a subtler sound profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Twilight, a notable contrast emerges between their top housing constructions. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This stiffness contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for those who appreciate aesthetics in their typing experience. In contrast, the Twilight is equipped with a nylon top housing, a material traditionally recognized for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory response, which contrasts with the keen brightness of the Jacaranda’s polycarbonate.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, creating a common ground in their sound profiles. The use of nylon in both the Jacaranda and Twilight results in a deeper, more pronounced sound due to the material's ability to absorb vibrations and minimize noise. This shared bottom housing attribute helps to unify the overall sound experience across both switches, as the characteristics of nylon create a consistent bottom-out feel. Consequently, even though the top housings differ dramatically in their acoustic properties—one being sharp and clear, the other dull and full—the bottom housings ensure that users of both switches will experience a pleasant depth in sound while typing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch affects how users perceive sound and tactile feedback. The distinctiveness of the top housing materials ensures that the Jacaranda delivers a crisper top-out sound, while the Twilight provides a fuller bottom-out auditory experience. This means that while they may use nylon for their bottom housings leading to a similar sonic depth, the differences in the top housing will yield unique results when typing. Thus, the Jacaranda is suited for those who prefer clarity and vibrancy, whereas the Twilight caters to users who enjoy a more muted and substantial sound. The interplay of these materials highlights the intricate decisions keyboard enthusiasts must consider when selecting switches to match their personal sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, both exhibit light force characteristics, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda features an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Twilight has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly firmer push. While both switches have relatively low actuation forces suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Jacaranda's lighter feel may be more appealing for those prioritizing comfort over long durations. On the other hand, the Twilight offers a slightly heavier resistance, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter feel should lean towards the Jacaranda, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might opt for the Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Jacaranda features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Jacaranda the shorter option, appealing to those who seek faster response times, such as gamers who benefit from the more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Twilight, with its longer travel distance, might be preferred by individuals who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, this difference means that if you select the Jacaranda, you will experience a more responsive typing experience, whereas the Twilight offers a richer, more immersive feedback with each keystroke.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 characterized by its distinct clacky and resonant profile. When you type on the Jacaranda, each keystroke produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, which is complemented by a high-pitched resonance that delivers an immersive auditory experience. This sharp and snappy sound adds a level of engagement to typing, making it quite enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed to be slightly quieter, although it retains the signature clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches. The Twilight's extended 3.85mm travel distance contributes to this subdued sound, meaning while it may not be as crisp as the Jacaranda, it still provides a satisfactory auditory feedback during use.
When discussing feel, the Jacaranda switch shines with a notably silky smoothness that makes for an exceptional typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, allowing for an effortless transition between strokes. The added bounciness from the extended 22mm spring enhances this feel, making each keystroke not only satisfying but also allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, no specific feel characteristics are provided for the HMX Twilight linear switch, leaving a sense of uncertainty in how it compares in this department. Since the feel of any switch can be influenced by various factors, this oversight makes it difficult to determine how the Twilight stacks up against the Jacaranda in terms of tactile satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Twilight linear switches offer unique sensory experiences, particularly in their sound profiles. The Jacaranda excels with its clacky and resonant sound, combined with a silky smooth typing feel. Meanwhile, the Twilight provides a quieter sound with its slightly extended travel distance, although its overall tactile feedback remains undefined. If you prioritize an engaging auditory experience and a luxurious typing feel, the Jacaranda may be the preferred choice, while the Twilight offers a different auditory approach that might appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, your preferences will dictate which switch resonates more with your ideal keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely hinges on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you prioritize a softer actuation force and enjoy a clackier, high-pitched auditory feedback, the Jacaranda will likely be your go-to. Its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, coupled with the extended 22mm spring, creates a bouncy and fatigue-free typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50g, the Twilight's characteristics may be more suitable for you. While it maintains the clacky and crisp sound typical of HMX switches, its extended 3.85mm travel distance results in a quieter typing experience, making it potentially better for shared workspaces or environments where noise can be a factor. Therefore, whether you lean towards the smooth, resonant feel of the Jacaranda or the slightly more subdued clack of the Twilight, both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different typing styles and preferences.
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