PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, providing a fatigue-free typing experience with a clacky sound signature and a bouncy sensation from its extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches boast a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, coupled with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump. While the Jacaranda offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the U4Tx provides a luxurious and acoustically pleasing feel. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in several ways. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. Meanwhile, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing may not offer the same translucency but focuses more on sound quality.
The bottom housings of the Jacaranda and the U4Tx also differ in material composition. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a similar rich and deep sound profile as its top housing, thanks to its softness. Both materials bring a unique sound profile to the switches, with nylon offering a rounder sound and the Gazzew blend providing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while the Jacaranda and the Gazzew U4Tx feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to enhance sound quality and typing experience in their own ways. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda creates a sharper and clearer sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. In comparison, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings prioritize rich and deep sound profiles through a softer plastic blend. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound experiences depending on the materials used in their housings.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the U4Tx has a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams with an unknown actuation force. This makes the Jacaranda a lighter option overall. The lighter actuation force of the Jacaranda may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback and force, catering to users with varying preferences for typing experiences. Despite their differences, users can achieve similar results in terms of typing experience based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a similar level of actuation depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much key travel depth feels comfortable during use.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a crisp and bright feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a bassy and muted sound profile, with a deep and rich "thock" when bottoming out and a quiet topping out sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound profiles. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, you can achieve similar results in sound with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Contrarily, the U4Tx switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile sensation with every keypress. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Jacaranda focusing on smoothness and the U4Tx emphasizing a sharp tactile bump for a satisfying typing feel.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the U4Tx offers a bassy and muted sound profile with a sharp tactile bump. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between these switches to create a customized and enjoyable mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy typing sensation with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a cleaner, refined sound profile featuring a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a sharp tactile bump, the U4Tx could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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