Kailh Box Jade vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying typing experience, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Taro. The Box Jade is perfect for those who desire a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing feel both invigorating and satisfying. On the other hand, the Taro offers a comfortable and cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility. Its acute and crisp clacks create a pleasant typing sound. While the Box Jade is characterized as high-pitched, accented, and invigorating, the Taro is described as neutral, buttery, and stepped. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Jwick Taro share many similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that require RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
Where the Box Jade and the Taro differ lies in their bottom housing material. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, has the ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Taro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same depth and fullness in sound as its counterpart. In this aspect, users can expect a similar audio experience from both switches.
It is important to note that the characteristics of the bottom and top housings of a switch can have different impacts on the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either the Box Jade or the Taro, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact and bottom-out sound, will be more pronounced. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may provide similar sound profiles, the overall typing experience may vary depending on the combination of top and bottom housings within each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Box Jade is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling into the medium range. On the other hand, information about the actuation force of the Taro is unavailable, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Box Jade would be a suitable choice. Its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Taro offers a heavier bottom out force, resulting in a stronger push feel. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
In terms of actuation force, since information about the Taro's exact force remains unknown, we cannot provide a direct comparison to the Box Jade. However, since both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force, it can be assumed that the actuation force of the Taro would likely be similar as well, providing a comparable typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for the weight of their typing experience. Those seeking a lighter feel may opt for the Box Jade, while those desiring a heavier, more robust typing experience may lean towards the Taro.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both of these distances are slightly below the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Box Jade. A shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press may lean towards the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The additional 0.1 mm may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on the individual's desired level of responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
The Kailh Box Jade switch has a high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks when pressed. This switch is also described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch has a more neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is also described as stepped, meaning it provides a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Jade switch is recommended for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactile feedback. It offers crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with a snappy and medium-level of tactility. It has an acute and crisp sound profile. While these switches offer different subjective qualities, they both deliver satisfying experiences for users looking for various levels of tactile and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. These switches provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing, giving you a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. The high-pitched and crunchy sound of the Box Jade switches adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, the Jwick Taro switches would be a great choice. The Taro switches offer a snappy and medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The buttery smooth keystroke experience of the Taro switches, along with the stepped tactile feel, creates a comfortable and seamless typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Jade and Jwick Taro switches boils down to your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel.
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