Keygeek Keylin vs. Jwick Taro

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options stand out: the Keygeek Keylin and the Jwick Taro. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, providing a premium typing experience that many seek for uninterrupted keystrokes—perfect for gamers or those who prefer a quieter, more fluid feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, recognized as a tactile switch, offers a snappier typing sensation with its medium-level tactility, giving users audible and crisp clacks that enhance typing feedback—ideal for typists who appreciate responsiveness and a touch of nostalgia. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, presenting a compelling case for their selection. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Jwick Taro Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Jwick Taro, a notable distinction emerges between the top housings. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer texture. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for generating a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature that promotes clarity and resonance. Thus, while the Keylin's nylon housing aims for a warm and rich sound, the Taro's polycarbonate offers a sharp and vivid auditory impression, giving each switch a distinct personality when activated.

In sharp contrast, both the Keylin and the Taro employ nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a similar experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing provides that characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its ability to absorb sound effectively, leading to a rounder acoustic quality. Thus, users can expect a consistent tactile response and auditory experience with each of these switches when pressed down, as the performance of the nylon bottom housing plays a critical role in how they feel when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the combination of differing materials in the top housings of both switches leads to a unique overall performance. With the Jwick Taro's stiffer polycarbonate top leading to a resonant, higher-pitched output when a key is released, coupled with the nylon bottom that maintains a richer sound when pressed, users may find that the Taro offers an exciting blend of clarity and warmth. Meanwhile, the Keylin’s nylon top contributes to an all-around softer acoustic experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Thus, while the bottom housings yield a similar tactile and auditory experience, the switch tops dictate the unique auditory characteristics, giving users distinct options based on their sound preferences.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin boasts a light actuation force of 38 grams, allowing for effortless keystrokes that can benefit users engaging in extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force remains unknown, but its bottom out force is considerably heavier at 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is pressed down completely. This suggests that the Taro switch may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience, offering more resistance which can enhance tactile feedback. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Taro’s higher bottom out force points towards a heavier, more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced distance. Conversely, the Taro’s longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, potentially preferable for users who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences: those favoring responsiveness might lean towards the Keylin, while those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might opt for the Taro.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound characteristics, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is known for its rich acoustics, which imply a satisfying auditory experience that tends to complement the smoothness of its actuation. The sound profile is often more subdued in comparison to tactile switches, providing a softer tone during keystrokes. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a more pronounced audio response, delivering acute and crisp clacks that can make each keystroke feel more engaging and lively. While both switches can deliver pleasing sounds, the Keylin tends to be quieter and more understated, whereas the Taro’s sound is sharper and more noticeable, influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps that one might use.

In terms of feel, the Keylin linear switch boasts exceptional smoothness, characterized by a buttery keystroke experience that allows for effortless and fluid typing motions. This seamlessness is a hallmark of linear switches, providing an uninterrupted keypress journey from top to bottom with no tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and a stepped feel, providing mild bumps that can be felt during the keystroke. This medium-level tactility makes the Taro a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without the overwhelming sensation found in more aggressive tactile switches, striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness.

In summarizing the two switches, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is designed for those seeking a smooth and subtle experience with rich acoustics, making it ideal for quiet environments or more contemplative typing sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch appeals to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a more engaging auditory experience, perfect for lively typing and a hands-on connection to each keystroke. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide high-quality typing experiences: if you desire a muted and fluid feel, the Keylin is your choice, while the Taro caters to those who enjoy a sharper tactile sensation and sound. Ultimately, the choice between them should align with your typing style and environment, as those factors will influence your enjoyment of either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the type of tasks you'll be performing. If you appreciate a light actuation force and enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience with rich acoustics, the Keylin linear switch would be your ideal choice. It's particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys while minimizing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that adds a satisfying "bump" to your keystrokes, the Taro switches are a better fit, especially for typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and a snappy response. Their medium-heavy actuation force and buttery feel will likely enhance your overall typing experience, especially with their crisp sound profile that can provide an enjoyable auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what enhances your own comfort and productivity—light and smooth with Keylin, or tactile and responsive with Taro.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more