Dareu Master vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master with its linear switch, known for its medium weight, classic clacky sound, and exceptional smoothness, and the Jwick Taro with its tactile switch, providing a cozy typing experience with snappy tactility and crisp clacks, both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Master switch falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', appealing to those who enjoy a smooth and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Taro switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', catering to users who prefer a tactile feedback with a comfortable 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Jwick Taro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Master features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Taro comes with a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The difference in materials leads to a noticeable contrast in sound profiles between the two switches, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts. However, both materials offer their own advantages - POM offers a pleasing and unique sound, while polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dareu Master utilizes POM, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Jwick Taro incorporates a nylon bottom housing that creates a duller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer POM, leading to a difference in sound characteristics between the two switches. Despite these distinctions, both materials contribute to enhancing the typing experience, albeit in different ways. This showcases the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when evaluating the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Master and the Jwick Taro ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile. The use of different housing materials in both switches allows for a variety of sound options to cater to different tastes. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound with POM housing like the Master, or a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate housing like the Taro, there is a switch option for everyone. The impact of housing materials on the user's typing experience highlights the importance of considering all aspects of a switch's design when making a decision.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Taro is heavier with 67 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Master. The lighter actuation force of the Master may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Taro may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on weight preference, with the Master being lighter in actuation force, and the Taro being heavier in bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Dareu Master has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Jwick Taro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Master may be preferred by those looking for quicker key presses, while the longer travel distance of the Jwick Taro could be favored by individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Dareu Master linear switch offers a classic clacky sound signature that is sharp and snappy, creating crisp, bright, and percussive noises when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirements, resulting in a sound that is suitable for various typing purposes. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Master switch is characterized by its mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Master switch boasts a polished finish that contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a buttery keystroke experience that is smooth, fluid, and effortless. This switch also provides a stepped tactile feel, adding a gentle pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation for a more nuanced typing experience.
Overall, while the Dareu Master Linear switch and the Jwick Taro Tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and mild feel of the Master switch or the neutral sound and buttery feel of the Taro switch, both options showcase quality craftsmanship and performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and enjoy a classic clacky sound signature with exceptional smoothness in operation, the Master linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute clacks, the Taro tactile switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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