Durock Light Tactile vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from. Two popular choices for those who prefer a tactile typing experience are the Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Taro switches. The Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a unique appeal with its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Taro switches from Jwick offer a different typing experience. With a comfy and subdued color scheme, these switches provide a snappy and medium-level of tactility. The sound produced when typing on these switches is acute and crisp, adding a sense of satisfaction to each keystroke. Both switches fall under the category of 'Neutral', offering a balanced feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Taro both have polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both the Light Tactile and the Taro due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Light Tactile features a nylon material while the Taro has a nylon bottom housing as well. Typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These qualities of the nylon bottom housing differ from the polycarbonate top housing and provide a unique sound experience for each switch.
It is important to note that the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are split between the Light Tactile and the Taro. When pressing down on either switch, the user will feel the impact of the bottom housing, which has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and overall feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily affect the sound when the key is released. This division of housing materials demonstrates how different components contribute to the overall sound profile and tactile experience of these mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile and the Jwick Taro tactile switches, there are some similarities as well as differences. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, but it shares the same bottom out force of 67 grams. In terms of weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience. If a lighter switch is desired, the Light Tactile would be a suitable option. However, if a stronger push feel is preferred, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. Overall, while the actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, its bottom out force aligns similarly with the Light Tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Taro switch a slightly shallower option compared to the Light Tactile. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you value quick and responsive keystrokes, the Taro switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Light Tactile switch's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Light Tactile switch from Durock is known for its gentleness in tactility, providing a softer and more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches in the market. When typing on these switches, users can expect an angelic and jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a comfortable and cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility. The sound produced by the Taro switches is described as acute and crisp clacks.
In terms of sound, both the Light Tactile and the Taro switches are categorized as neutral switches. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of uses whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, 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.
When it comes to feel, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. These switches provide a more gentle feedback compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Light Tactile switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Taro switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Users can expect a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with these switches. Furthermore, the Taro switches are referred to as stepped switches, which means they have a two-stage feel. This means users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a big bump throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer unique and distinct qualities. The Light Tactile switches provide a softer and more gentle tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature, while the Taro switches offer a snappy, medium-level of tactility with acute and crisp clacks. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches in terms of sound and have their own specific feel characteristics. The Light Tactile switches are mild and polished, while the Taro switches are buttery and stepped. With these descriptions, users can expect different typing experiences depending on their preference. However, it's important to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps choice, which can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch is an excellent choice. Its angelic tactility provides a comfortable typing experience, and the switch has a polished finish for smooth key travel. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro switch is worth considering. It has a buttery keystroke experience and feels slightly stepped, providing a mild tactile sensation. Like the Light Tactile switch, it also has a bottom out force of 67 grams and a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for the type of tactility and sound you prefer. Both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable for beginner and advanced users alike, whether you plan to use them at home or work.
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