KTT Mallo vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Jwick Taro both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The KTT Mallo is celebrated for its subtle and refined design, providing a delicate tactile feedback that is satisfying without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and sharp clacks. While the Mallo boasts a neutral sound signature and a medium-light typing feel, the Taro is characterized by a buttery feel and a snappy tactility. Ultimately, the Mallo is ideal for those seeking a versatile switch for various typing environments, while the Taro caters to individuals looking for a comfortable and tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mallo and the Jwick Taro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, offering a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both keyboards.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Mallo and the Taro opt for nylon, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This choice in housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Mallo and Taro switches highlights the importance of material selection in achieving a desired sound and feel. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific properties of these materials contribute differently to the overall typing experience. Whether it is the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate or the depth and fullness of nylon, understanding how housing materials impact sound and feel is essential in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch differ in weight. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. In comparison, the Taro has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The Mallo provides a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Taro offers a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have a similar actuation force, but their bottom out forces vary, ultimately impacting the typing experience in terms of lightness or heaviness. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While the Mallo offers a more traditional travel distance, the Taro provides a slightly shorter distance that may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the Mallo to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When it comes to sound, both the KTT Mallo and Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments without being too loud or too quiet. The Mallo is also noted for its subdued sound signature, offering a more dampened and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches produce acute and crisp clacks, providing a snappy auditory feedback for typists. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switches are known for their feathery and mild typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and offering a gentle tactile feel. The switches are also described as stepped, providing a subtle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are labeled as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They also share the stepped characteristic with the Mallo, offering a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and post-travel sensation. Typists who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Mallo, while those seeking a smoother keystroke might opt for the Taro.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and Jwick Taro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mallo provides a balanced and subtle typing experience with a neutral and subdued sound profile, the Taro switches offer a snappy and buttery typing sensation with acute clacks. Typists will need to consider their personal preferences for typing feel and sound when choosing between the two switches, as both can provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience depending on individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a subtle tactility with a neutral sound signature, the Mallo may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a snappier tactility with a buttery typing feel, the Taro switch might be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing environment and the level of feedback you prefer when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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