PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly in terms of feel and sound. The PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch manufactured by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, which allows for comfortable, fatigue-free typing. Its clacky and resonant sound profile, complemented by an extended 22mm spring, delivers a uniquely bouncy sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more tactile response, presenting a subtle to moderate bump that many typists find satisfying. Its balanced sound profile pairs well with its tactile characteristics, making it a favored option for those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you prefer the smooth, effortless flow of linear switches like the Jacaranda or the engaging tactile feedback offered by the Weightlessness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize distinct top housing materials, resulting in notably different auditory characteristics. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition that enhances the resonance when keys are released. This quality makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those who enjoy amplified auditory feedback and want to showcase RGB lighting through a clear housing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, a classic switch material renowned for its softer nature. This results in a deeper, rounder sound profile, which tends to absorb more sound and reduce harshness. Hence, while the Jacaranda provides a bright and clear sound when typing, the Weightlessness favors a warmer and more muted auditory experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Jacaranda and the Weightlessness utilize nylon, which delivers a consistent auditory quality in each switch. Nylon’s soft texture plays a critical role in shaping the sound profile of each switch; it absorbs vibrations and minimizes noise, allowing for a more controlled auditory experience. In the case of the Jacaranda, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound when keys bottom out, complementing the sharper top housing. Similarly, the Weightlessness supports its nylon top housing with a nylon bottom, reinforcing the deeper sound characteristic of the entire switch. This synergy between the two switches in terms of bottom housing material leads to a similarity in tactile responsiveness, with both delivering a softer landing when keys are pressed down.
Ultimately, while the PH Studio Jacaranda and Gateron Weightlessness share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—highlight distinct acoustic experiences. The impact of each housing material is significant; the top housing influences the sound produced upon key release, while the bottom housing contributes to the feel and bottom-out noise. Therefore, users might select the Jacaranda for a sharper sound profile particularly suited for RGB lighting displays, whereas the Weightlessness would appeal to those preferring a more subdued and fuller typing experience. Despite these differences, the overall construction—especially the shared nylon bottom—ensures that both switches effectively balance sound and feel, appealing to a wide range of typists.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ significantly in terms of their actuation force. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Weightlessness, which requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, the Jacaranda would be a more suitable choice, especially for prolonged use or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Jacaranda’s bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, confirming a relatively light feel overall. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has no specified bottom out force, leaving this aspect unknown and making it difficult to fully compare its resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, while the Jacaranda offers a lighter typing experience, the Weightlessness may cater to those who favor a more substantial feel, although its overall performance cannot be fully assessed without the bottom out force information.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Jacaranda provides a bit more depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional feel in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its shorter distance, may deliver a quicker response time, aligning better with the preferences of gamers who favor rapid activation. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Jacaranda's additional millimeter can result in a more pronounced keypress experience, especially for those who enjoy a fuller bottom-out sensation. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and a responsive feel, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the better choice, while the Jacaranda caters to those who prefer significant depth in their keystrokes.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant qualities. It produces a bright, crisp, and percussive sound that adds an engaging auditory dimension to the typing experience. Each keystroke resonates with a clean and sharp profile, making it not only enjoyable but also satisfying to type on. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a more understated sound profile that balances well with its tactile feel. While specific auditory characteristics aren't detailed, one can anticipate a more muted feedback compared to the Jacaranda, which could appeal to users who prefer less noise.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Jacaranda excels with its silky smoothness, offering a nearly effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g and the extended 22mm spring design contribute to a bouncy sensation, enhancing the tactile enjoyment during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile bump; however, there are no reports of their smoothness or exact feel qualities, making it difficult to compare more deeply. Therefore, users seeking a tactile response may find the Weightlessness satisfying, but it may lack the silky smoothness present in the Jacaranda.
In conclusion, while both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch cater to distinct preferences, their qualities are notably different. The Jacaranda switch's lively auditory aspect and smooth typing feel make it ideal for those who enjoy an active and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch provides a more subdued sound profile and a moderate tactile feedback, potentially appealing to users looking for a less pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, each switch can deliver different yet rewarding experiences, so your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or the tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch primarily hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you are drawn to a smoother, lighter typing experience that requires less force and provides a lively, bouncy feel, the Jacaranda is a superb option. Its distinct clacky sound profile and silky feel make every keystroke crisp and engaging, which can enhance both typing speed and enjoyment, especially if you frequently type or game for extended sessions. On the other hand, if you're someone who values a more tactile feedback with a balanced sound that isn't overly loud, the Weightlessness switch might be your ideal choice. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel allows for a confident typing experience without overwhelming auditory distractions, catering well to an office or shared environment. Ultimately, it’s about matching the switch with your personal style—be it the vivacious responsiveness of the Jacaranda or the refined tactility of the Weightlessness.
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