TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their overall characteristics. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience suitable for a variety of users and settings. In contrast, the Taro switches offer a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Gold Red Pro is known for its neutral sound signature and adaptability, the Taro switches stand out for their comfort and tactile feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switches. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches will deliver similar sound profiles and visual effects when in use.
However, where the Gold Red Pro and Taro differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. While the Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound, the Taro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches will have a consistent typing feel and sound, despite the variation in their top housing material. Overall, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a more rounded and muted sound profile, complementing the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing in both switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and Jwick Taro play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, their nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller typing experience. The combination of these materials results in switches that deliver a balanced sound profile with distinct characteristics. Whether it's the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top housing or the fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, so it may lack the satisfying resistance some users look for in a switch. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push feel. Despite the actuation force of the Taro switch being unknown, the heavier bottom out force suggests that it may require a significant amount of force to trigger a keystroke. When it comes to weight preferences, users seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red Pro switch, while those who prefer a heavier touch may gravitate towards the Taro switch for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quicker, more responsive keystroke, the Taro with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so it may come down to other features and preferences when making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched tone that is satisfying and not too loud, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch also provides a neutral sound profile, ensuring a moderate sound experience that is versatile and adaptable to different settings. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that is comfortable for extended use.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro linear switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This makes it easy on the fingers and suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Taro tactile switch is characterized as buttery and stepped, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile bump for added feedback. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel that is enjoyable and satisfying.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Red Pro excels in its versatile sound profile and gentle typing feel, the Taro stands out with its tactile feedback and smooth keystroke experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference and intended use case, but both options promise a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the right choice for you. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various settings, whether it be gaming, work, or casual typing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy and medium-level tactile feedback with acute and crisp clacks, the Taro switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you value a linear switch with a neutral sound or a tactile switch with a more pronounced feedback. Consider your typing habits and environment to determine which switch will best enhance your overall typing experience.
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