Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. The MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience compared to its predecessor, the MX Red, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the MX Silent Red is characterized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Taro switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. These general pointers can help you decide which switch may be best for your needs; 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 main difference between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Taro in terms of housing materials lies in the material used for the top housing. The MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound qualities can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users looking for a specific sound profile.
In contrast, both the MX Silent Red and the Jwick Taro utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. This commonality between the two switches means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile from both switches due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent sound experience regardless of the top housing material, making them suitable options for users who prioritize sound consistency in their mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Jwick Taro will boil down to the desired sound profile that users are seeking. The MX Silent Red with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share a common nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness. Ultimately, users looking for a specific sound profile can make an informed decision based on the housing materials used in these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort. In contrast, the Taro has an unknown actuation force, but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that the MX Silent Red would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Taro would be favored by users who enjoy a more tactile and forceful keystroke. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the MX Silent Red being lighter and the Taro being heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similar travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness, regardless of which switch they choose. The equal travel distance of 3.7 mm in both switches highlights their precision and reliability in providing a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter keyboard is preferred. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of users and settings. Both switches will offer a pleasant typing sound, with the MX Silent Red being quieter while the Taro switch being more versatile.
When it comes to feel, the MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped typing experience, providing a smooth and uniform sensation with a mild tactile feedback. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the MX Silent Red having a slightly tactile feel while the Taro switch offers a smoother keystroke.
In conclusion, the MX Silent Red and Taro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, while the Taro switch offers a more versatile sound profile with a buttery and stepped feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the MX Silent Red being ideal for quieter environments and the Taro switch offering a smoother keystroke sensation. Ultimately, trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing preferences best would be the best course of action.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment while still maintaining a slightly heftier feel, then the MX Silent Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks, the Taro tactile switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure the most satisfying typing experience for you.
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