Gateron Melodic vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Gateron Melodic offers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with the added bonus of smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro provides a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks, appealing to users who prefer a neutral, buttery, and stepped feel. Both switches have their own distinct advantages and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this common feature in their top housing material, it's worth noting that they may still produce slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Gateron Melodic and the Jwick Taro feature nylon housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite this shared feature, there may still be subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches due to variations in design and construction.
Overall, while the Gateron Melodic and the Jwick Taro share similarities in their housing materials, such as the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, they may still offer slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences. The qualities of each housing material will have an impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better choice for individual users.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have different bottom out forces, with the Melodic being lighter at 60 grams and the Taro being heavier at 67 grams. Both switches have an undisclosed actuation force, which means we can't directly compare them in that aspect. However, since both have similar designs and are within the same category of switches, it is likely that they will offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force. When considering weight, individuals may prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or a heavier switch for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Melodic and Taro switches will come down to personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Melodic switch offers a slightly longer keypress distance compared to the Taro switch. The Melodic switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional keypress feel with a bit more depth, while the Taro switch may be favored by those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer their own benefits based on individual preferences, with the Melodic switch being the longer of the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profiles, providing users with a high-pitched and immersive typing experience with clean and sharp clacks. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing preferences and environments. Depending on the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches may vary, but both can deliver a satisfying auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is praised for its buttery and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch also boasts a buttery feel but adds a stepped sensation, providing users with a more subtle tactile response that includes pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. Both switches aim to deliver a seamless and uniform typing sensation, catering to different tactile preferences.
Overall, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both strive to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the intense clicky sound and invigorating tactile feedback of the Melodic switch or the neutral sound profile and stepped feel of the Taro switch, you can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force, resonant or crunchy sound, and a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a buttery or stepped feel, then the Jwick Taro could be the perfect fit. Consider how you like your keyboard switches to sound and feel, and choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so trust your instincts and choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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