TTC Gold Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red and the Jwick Taro. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, giving it a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility, resulting in acute and crisp clacks when pressed. The Taro's subdued color scheme matches its comfortable feel, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a neutral and buttery switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice leads to a similar result in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an enhanced RGB lighting effect. Therefore, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile while providing a visually appealing option for those interested in RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Red and the Taro employ nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, typing on both of these switches will elicit a similar experience in terms of the overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in creating the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Gold Red and the Taro, the impact of each material on the switch's performance and sound is split accordingly. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing become more evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials may differ in each housing, both switches strive to provide a balanced and immersive typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of their respective top and bottom materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easy to trigger a keystroke with minimal effort. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 50 grams, slightly heavier but still considered light. On the other hand, the Taro switch's actuation force is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare. However, it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Gold Red switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless typing, making it ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Jwick Taro switch. With its higher bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, with the Gold Red offering a lighter feel and the Taro providing a heavier and more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gold Red switch is slightly longer than the Taro switch. The Gold Red's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Taro switch with its 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key actuation, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the shorter travel distance of the Taro switch to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
The Gold Red linear switch is best known for offering a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. This switch produces a snappy and modest sound profile, adding a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch provides a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. The sound produced by these switches is described as acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and silky typing experience. The switch is designed to be approachable to most users, with qualities that fall in a safe middle-ground zone. The smoothness of the typing feel minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Gold Red switch is described as subtle and polished, with a gentle resistance and a refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a buttery and seamless keystroke experience. The switch offers a uniform typing sensation that feels smooth and fluid. It is also worth noting that the Taro switch has a stepped tactile feel, providing a mild sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Gold Red linear switch and the Taro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Gold Red switch provides a smooth and gentle typing experience with a snappy sound profile, while the Taro switch offers a buttery and seamless keystroke experience with acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to consider personal preference and other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, when selecting the ideal switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, they offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of richness and depth to your typing experience. The Gold Red switches are also described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, ensuring a gentle and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and a snappy, medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch might be more suitable for your needs. These switches provide a comfortable and cozy typing experience, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks when pressed. They have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various environments. The Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped, meaning you can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile response.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. Consider factors such as resistance level, sound profile, and tactile feedback to determine which switch will best enhance your typing enjoyment.
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