PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and Durock White Lotus stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Jacaranda, a linear switch manufactured by KTT, boasts a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and perfect for fatigue-free typing. Its clacky sound signature and extended 22mm spring provide a bouncy sensation with every keystroke, elevating the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a light tactile option with a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions. With a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switches provide both a tranquil typing experience and mesmerizing illumination. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, so choosing between the Jacaranda and White Lotus will ultimately depend on your personal preferences 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
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Durock White Lotus both feature a blend of polycarbonate and nylon in their top and bottom housings. The Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel. Both switches are designed to enhance RGB lighting effects with their translucent top housings, catering to users who enjoy customizable aesthetics. However, the White Lotus switch may offer a slightly different sound profile compared to the Jacaranda switch due to its blend of PC and UPE materials.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Jacaranda and the White Lotus switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This commonality in housing material between the two switches suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall tactile feedback and acoustics of typing on these switches, showcasing the importance of bottom housing material in the user experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is essential to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining the sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of the Jacaranda and White Lotus switches provides a balanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing to different aspects of the overall user experience. Ultimately, users can expect a similar level of quality and performance from both switches, despite the slight differences in their housing materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch. The Jacaranda requires 39 grams of actuation force and 45 grams of bottom out force, while the White Lotus needs 46 grams to actuate and 56 grams to bottom out. This means that the Jacaranda offers a lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Jacaranda, while the White Lotus would be a better choice for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier touch for more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jacaranda linear switch offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the White Lotus tactile switch due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who value swift reactions may prefer the Jacaranda switch. On the other hand, the White Lotus tactile switch provides a bit more depth and keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the higher-pitched Jacaranda. Depending on personal preference, the Jacaranda's clacky sound may be more appealing for those who enjoy a crisp and bright auditory experience, while the White Lotus provides a more soothing and moderate sound suitable for various environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda is lauded for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness during keystrokes. In contrast, the White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force can make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Jacaranda provides a silky typing feel, the White Lotus offers a gentle and responsive typing experience that may be more accommodating for users looking for a low-impact switch.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda provides a clacky and sharp sound alongside a silky smooth typing experience, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with an easy-to-press and gentle typing feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing users with a range of options to suit their individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a light and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility with easy-to-press keys and a low-pitched sound profile, the White Lotus could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing habits, desired sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimized typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make your decision based on what factors are most important to you.
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