PH Studio Jacaranda vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can often boil down to personal preference and intended use. The PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch crafted by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force that ensures a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience. Its distinct clacky sound signature offers a crisp auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, while the extended 22mm spring introduces a delightful bouncy sensation, enhancing the overall tactile feel. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, also a linear switch, is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid-fire key presses. With a bright clacky tone and an impressively smooth push feel, the Vintage Citrus draws those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their gaming setups. Both switches present unique advantages: the Jacaranda shines for its comfort and tactile feedback, while the Vintage Citrus excels in quick actuation and ease of use for dynamic gaming scenarios. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials used in the PH Studio Jacaranda and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, notable differences arise, particularly in the material of their top housings. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness and resonant qualities. This property enhances the clarity of sound, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting, as the translucence of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon means it absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more subdued audio experience that contrasts sharply with the Jacaranda’s crisp tones.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as they both utilize nylon. This consistency ensures that the deeper, fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon is maintained in both models. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out noise and feel when typing, users can expect a similarly cohesive and rounded sound experience in both switches when bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings distinctly influence the initial sound produced, the bottom housings meld their qualities, maintaining a harmonious typing experience across different aspects of performance.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches lead to diverse auditory experiences while offering complementary characteristics through their shared nylon bottom housing. The Jacaranda, with its polycarbonate top, is tailored for users seeking clarity and brightness, especially under RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus targets those who prefer a more muted, warm sound profile. The interplay of these different housings illustrates how material choices in switch design significantly influence both sound and feel, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences for tactile feedback and auditory enjoyment.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch with the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where less effort is preferred. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who favor a firmer typing experience. This difference in weight indicates that users who prioritize a lighter switch for comfort and longer use should lean towards the Jacaranda, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might prefer the Vintage Citrus. Both switches have distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Jacaranda boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that, for users who favor faster response times, the Vintage Citrus switch might be more appealing due to its shallower travel distance, aligning well with modern preferences for quick actuation, especially among gamers. Conversely, the Jacaranda’s longer 3.5 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may find appealing for typing or gaming where deeper key presses are valued. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the tactile depth of key presses.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is notably bright and clacky, delivering a crisp and resonant auditory experience with each keystroke. This sharp sound is characterized by its high-pitched tones, which can provide an engaging feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, while the sound characteristics of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch are not explicitly detailed, it is noted that the switch has a bright, clacky sound profile aimed at enhancing responsiveness, particularly suited for gamers. Both switches emphasize a lively auditory feedback, although the specific sound qualities of the Vintage Citrus may vary based on its design and materials.
In terms of tactile feel, the Jacaranda linear switch excels with its silky texture, providing a smooth typing experience that reduces resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for both casual and intensive users. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is less described, but its low actuation force suggests a design intended for quick, effortless keystrokes, particularly beneficial in fast-paced gaming scenarios. While the Vintage Citrus may not offer the same specific silky quality as the Jacaranda, its smooth push feel combined with a rapid response can contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to distinct user preferences, with the Jacaranda focusing on a pleasant auditory and tactile experience, while the Vintage Citrus is built for speed and efficiency. If you favor a bouncy, energetic typing experience with a touch of auditory feedback, the Jacaranda would be ideal. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and potentially quick, responsive gameplay, the Vintage Citrus might be the switch for you. Regardless of choice, both switches promise to enhance your typing or gaming experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your specific needs and preferences play a crucial role. If you prioritize a lighter touch, a crisp, clacky sound, and an engaging typing experience, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice. Its easy bottom-out force of 45 grams and distinctive 22mm spring create a bouncy feel that enhances comfort, making it suitable for long typing sessions or casual use. On the other hand, if your focus is on high-speed gaming and rapid keystrokes, the Vintage Citrus is engineered to deliver. With its low actuation force and smooth push feel, it facilitates quick inputs, making it the ideal switch for gamers seeking maximum responsiveness. Additionally, its bright sound profile complements the rapid-fire nature of gaming, providing auditory feedback that can enhance your competitive edge. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for comfort in typing or speed in gaming—to achieve the best personal experience.
Mentioned in this article
