PH Studio Jacaranda vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch, is praised for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it comfortable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its clacky sound signature provides a satisfying feedback with every key press, while the extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy sensation to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is also a linear switch that offers a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a bassy sound. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for similar reasons. Both switches boast translucency in their top housings, making them ideal for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. However, the bottom housing of the Jacaranda is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound profile.
The contrast between the nylon bottom housing of the Jacaranda and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red highlights the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The softer nature of nylon in the Jacaranda contributes to a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a different typing experience compared to the stiffer and more resonant polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. These differences in housing materials provide unique typing experiences for users of the Jacaranda and the Wine Red.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the KTT Wine Red, both switches benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced aesthetics for those interested in RGB lighting customization. However, the Jacaranda's inclusion of a nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red. Ultimately, while both switches share similarities in their top housing material, the variation in bottom housing materials contributes to distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams. Similarly, the Jacaranda also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Wine Red has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Jacaranda would be the better option. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Wine Red with its slightly heavier forces would be more suitable. Both switches offer different levels of force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Wine Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda switch. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Jacaranda switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, the Wine Red switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp feedback with each press. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich tone during typing. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the brighter and sharper sound of the Jacaranda or the deeper and more mellow sound of the Wine Red.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the feel of the Wine Red switch is not specified in the provided information. However, based on the description of it providing a pillowy light type feel, users can expect a soft and cushioned typing experience with the Wine Red switch.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, enhanced by its unique 22mm spring for a bouncy sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a rich and deep sound profile along with a pillowy light type feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to different tastes. Ultimately, choosing between the Jacaranda and Wine Red switches will depend on the user's desired sound and feel for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy typing sensation, then the Jacaranda switch would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a deep, rich sound profile with a pillowy light feel, then the Wine Red switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style best.
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