PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ideal for fatigue-free typing. With a clacky sound signature and an extended 22mm spring that provides a bouncy sensation, the Jacaranda offers a crisp and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is beloved for its thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing. The pronounced tactility of these switches strikes a perfect balance, offering a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between the Jacaranda and the Viola Tricolor comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing also elicits a similar sound due to the softness of nylon absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound.
While both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the PH Studio Jacaranda and Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in their nylon bottom housings. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing creates a similar sound profile due to the softness of nylon absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of a switch.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the two switches showcases how varying materials can influence the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their nylon bottom housings provide distinct typing experiences. The Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences highlight the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch for a tailored typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth typing experience that requires less pressure. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing feedback. While the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is unknown, the Jacaranda's light actuation force allows for quicker key presses. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Jacaranda would be the better choice. However, for users who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience, the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Jacaranda offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. A shorter travel distance can be advantageous for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on the specific feel and response time you are looking for.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 a clacky and high-pitched sound that provides a sharp and percussive feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and richness to the typing experience. Both switches have unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Jacaranda being more crisp and bright while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor switch provides an accented tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, creating a balanced and invigorating typing sensation. Each switch offers a different tactile experience, with the Jacaranda focusing on smoothness and the Viola Tricolor providing a moderate amount of tactility without being too pronounced.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a balanced and invigorating tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs and enhances their overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with smooth typing or a deeper sound with balanced tactility, you can achieve satisfying results with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom-out force, gentle keystrokes, and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force, pronounced tactility, and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor could be the perfect fit. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences for an optimal typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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