PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Yellow Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, with its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force and distinctive clacky sound profile, provides a fatigue-free typing experience and a bouncy sensation thanks to its extended 22mm spring. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu boasts a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking speediness and responsiveness in their typing or gaming sessions. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Yellow Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. While both switches have similar top housings, the distinctions lie in their bottom housings. The Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastics.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the Jacaranda and the Yellow Silver differ in their bottom housing composition. The split in housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the qualities of the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing creates a distinct sound profile, contrasting with the stiffer and clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each key press. Users may prefer the deeper sound of the nylon bottom housing in the Jacaranda or the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Yellow Silver, depending on their preferences.
In summary, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer unique typing experiences due to their housing materials. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Jacaranda delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver produces a rounder and duller sound. The split in housing materials allows for a variety of sound profiles and typing feels, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound and feel that each user seeks in their mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Jacaranda requires 45 grams of force while the Yellow Silver switch needs 55 grams, making the Yellow Silver switch heavier. Those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience may benefit from the Jacaranda switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch provides a slightly heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out force, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jacaranda switch. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Jacaranda switch with the shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when typing, you may lean towards the Yellow Silver switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a crisp and sharp auditory feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a moderate sound experience. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Jacaranda may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more distinctive and vibrant sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch. However, based on the reputation of Outemu switches for providing a smooth and consistent typing experience, it can be inferred that the Yellow Silver switch will also offer a pleasant tactile feel for users.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and potentially feel. If you prefer a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the Jacaranda may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a reputation for reliable performance, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and will provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a bouncy sensation while typing, the Jacaranda switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch might be the better option, especially if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness in your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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