Durock Medium Tactile vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jwick Taro. The Durock Medium Tactile is best known for its unique flavor of tactility, offering a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro provides a cozy typing experience with its snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the Jwick Taro share similar polycarbonate top housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate due to its stiffness, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for an enhanced visual effect. With these similarities, users can expect to experience comparable sound profiles and aesthetic qualities from both the Medium Tactile and the Taro.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile and the Taro both employ nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material offers a different typing experience, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, regardless of the switch model, users can enjoy a more immersive typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housings may differ between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jwick Taro, the impact each housing material has on the switch is distinct. Pressing down on either switch will primarily emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more significance when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their differences, the Medium Tactile and the Taro offer a balanced combination of housing materials to ensure a well-rounded typing experience with distinct auditory sensations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is worth noting that the exact values for actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, it can be observed that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category for bottom out force.
Weight is an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts, as it affects typing experience and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may find the Jwick Taro switch more appealing, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Medium Tactile switch.
Although the exact actuation forces are unknown, it can be inferred that the actuation forces of both switches are likely to provide similar results, given that they both fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience for the user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Medium Tactile slightly longer in travel distance than the Taro. Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.7 mm falls slightly on the shorter side. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, opting for the shorter travel distance provided by the Taro switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer the more hearty depth offered by the Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide options catering to different preferences and requirements.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its jelly-like sound signature. While the specific sound descriptor for the Taro switch is not provided, it is described as having crisp and acute clacks. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, depending on these factors, both switches may provide similar sound results.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having an accented tactility. This means that it offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also described as a stepped switch, which means it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is mentioned to have a mild characteristic, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Taro switch, on the other hand, is described as having a buttery feel, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Similar to the Medium Tactile, the Taro switch is also mentioned to have a stepped feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its balanced and pronounced tactility, along with its jelly-like sound signature. It offers an accented and stepped feel, providing a comfortable and gentle typing experience. The Taro switch, on the other hand, offers a snappy and medium-level of tactility, with acute and crisp clacks. Its feel is described as buttery and stepped, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. While there may be some differences in sound and feel between the two switches, the overall typing experience can be expected to be similar in terms of comfort and satisfaction. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the final choice should consider factors such as the user's typing style, personal preferences, and the specific keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Jwick Taro tactile switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a snappy and medium-level of tactility with acute and crisp clacks. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile does not have a specific description given, while the Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. Meanwhile, the Taro switches are described as having a buttery and stepped feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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