Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jwick Taro both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a precise feel with every keystroke. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches provide a reliable and satisfying response for both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches present a cozy and subdued aesthetic that reflects their typing experience; with a snappy, medium-level tactility and crisp acoustic feedback, they deliver an enjoyable auditory experience alongside their tactile response. This makes them an appealing choice for users who value both sound and feel while typing. Ultimately, both switches have distinct advantages that will appeal to different users, but 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
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jwick Taro utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound characteristics when typing. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition. This softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material resonates more clearly, making it suitable for bright and crisp audio feedback. Consequently, while the MX Purple RGB delivers a warm, muted sound due to its nylon top, the Taro's polycarbonate housing creates a vivid and resonant sound profile that stands out, particularly for users who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback in their typing experience.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, there are interesting similarities that emerge. Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jwick Taro utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile that is inherent in both switches. The soft nature of nylon helps absorb sound effectively, resulting in a cohesive audio experience when bottoming out keys. This shared material ensures that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will produce a satisfying and rounded sound when pressed down. Thus, while users will experience contrasting auditory feedback when letting go of the keys, the bottoming sound will recreate a harmonious depth across both models.
Overall, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Jwick Taro switches allows for an intriguing contrast in sound profiles, primarily driven by their respective top housing materials. The MX Purple RGB creates a mellow and enveloping sound experience with its nylon top, while the Taro’s polycarbonate top offers a bright and vibrant auditory feedback. However, the use of nylon for both bottom housings ensures that both switches share a consistent foundational sound when keys are pressed down, emphasizing the role of top housing materials in shaping the overall experience. For users who appreciate a blend of timbres, this contrast showcases the unique qualities of both switch designs while still delivering a familiar and satisfying bottom-out sound.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there is a distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that some users might prefer for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force is unknown, leaving an uncertainty in terms of the total resistance felt when the switch is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy, signifying a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger push. The actuation force of the Taro is also unknown, making a direct comparison difficult. As such, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB may cater to users seeking a lighter touch, the Jwick Taro will likely appeal to those who prefer a heavier resistance, particularly at the bottoming out point. Overall, there are clear differences that would guide users toward their personal preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, a notable distinction arises. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Taro boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, catering to users who may favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches are designed to provide tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking an efficient, rapid keypress experience, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB suits users who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique characteristics, your preference for either a longer or shorter travel distance will influence your choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the different auditory profiles stand out significantly. The MX Purple RGB promises a refined auditory experience characterized by a well-balanced sound that complements its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches produce a neutral sound profile, which is neither overly harsh nor too muted, making them versatile for various environments. The Taro's acute and crisp clacks provide a distinct, lively feedback with each keystroke. However, as sound is influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap selection, both switches will yield somewhat similar results depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the distinctions are more notable. The Cherry MX Purple RGB boasts a short, medium-strength bump, delivering a well-defined tactile sensation without overwhelming the typist. This makes each keystroke engaging yet not overly taxing. Conversely, the Taro switches offer a buttery smoothness combined with a stepped tactile feedback, reflecting a more gradual transition during key presses. This design allows for a seamless, fluid typing experience while maintaining a mild tactile confirmation. The Taro's feel stands as a unique combination that may appeal to those who favor a softer touch without compromising responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Jwick Taro tactile switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While they both offer a satisfying typing experience, the MX Purple focuses on a sharper tactile feedback, while the Taro prioritizes a smooth and gradual keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, with each offering a quality typing experience tailored to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches and Jwick Taro tactile switches ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump and are seeking a switch that offers a unique blend of comfort and responsiveness, the MX Purple RGB might be the ideal choice for you. Its build, designed with input from keyboard enthusiasts, makes it well-suited for both gaming and typing, while the absence of a specific bottom-out force suggests a focus on a liberating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation with a snappy typing feel, the Jwick Taro switches stand out with their buttery smooth keystrokes coupled with a mix of tactile feedback. Their neutral sound profile makes them versatile for both home and office environments, while the stepped tactile sensation allows for a more layered typing experience. Ultimately, consider which qualities matter most to you in your daily use—whether it's the refined tactility and uniqueness of the MX Purple RGB or the dependable, buttery feel of the Taro.
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