TTC Bluish White vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two tactile switch options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts: the bluish white by TTC and the Taro by Jwick. Both switches provide a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, but offer different characteristics that may sway your decision. The bluish white switch is known for its smooth, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, low-pitched profile, resulting in a smooth and polished feel with a low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience, with a medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. Its neutral, buttery, stepped categorization makes it a versatile choice. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Jwick Taro have similar housing materials in that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setups. Thus, both switches offer comparable results when it comes to sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the differentiation between the two switches lies in their respective nylon bottom housing. While both switches utilize nylon, the choice of this material contributes to distinct sound profiles. The TTC Bluish White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro's nylon bottom housing also produces a similar effect, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This demonstrates the importance of the bottom housing material in creating a switch's overall sound and feel.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing plays a larger role in determining the sound when a key is released. This highlights how the choice of housing materials for each component of the switch can greatly affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, one can observe differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light in comparison. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch does not have a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. So, in terms of actuation force, the TTC Bluish White switch requires a lighter force compared to the Taro switch, providing a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Taro switch requires a heavier force, resulting in a more substantial typing feel. This distinction makes the TTC Bluish White switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter keystroke for extended periods of typing, such as in work or gaming settings. Meanwhile, the Taro switch caters to individuals who desire a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force differs between the two switches, resulting in varying typing experiences, both switches offer options for users to achieve their desired results.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The TTC Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered optimal for typing and gaming, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional travel distance and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, the slight variation in travel distance can make a difference for some individuals. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the TTC Bluish White for faster response times. On the other hand, those who value a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience may lean towards the Jwick Taro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the level of responsiveness one desires in their keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile. This means that the switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Bluish White and Taro switches provide a buttery typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Bluish White switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is a stepped switch, meaning that it has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is subtle, with a gentle resistance that provides a light typing feel. The Taro switch is also a stepped switch, offering a similarly mild tactile experience.
To conclude, both the TTC Bluish White and Jwick Taro switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. They both have a snappy and medium-level of tactility, providing a comfortable and cozy feel while typing. In terms of sound, the Bluish White has a low-pitched profile, while the Taro has a neutral sound profile. Both switches provide a buttery typing experience, with the Bluish White also being mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. Overall, whether you choose the Bluish White or Taro switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound, you may want to consider the TTC Bluish White tactile switch. It offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and crave a cozy typing experience with a neutral sound, the Jwick Taro tactile switch might be the better choice. It also provides a buttery feel and a stepped effect, giving you a more mild tactile experience. Overall, with their distinct qualities, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing you to choose based on your desired typing experience.
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