Outemu Brown vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown and the Jwick Taro. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, also a tactile switch, stands out for its comfortable and pleasant typing sensation, characterized by a subtle tactility and satisfying sound. While the Outemu Brown offers a more traditional tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro provides a unique typing experience with its stepped tactility. Both switches cater to individuals looking for a tactile typing experience, but with different levels of feedback. 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown and Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that employ RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. This makes both switches a great choice for those who prioritize sound quality in their keyboards.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Outemu Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Brown and Jwick Taro switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, their nylon bottom housings provide a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a duller, rounder sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and satisfaction of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also classifying it as a medium-heavy switch. In terms of weight, both switches are relatively similar in terms of bottom out force, with the Jwick Taro being slightly heavier. The actuation force of the Taro remains unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison on that aspect. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the Outemu Brown being slightly lighter than the Jwick Taro in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing comfort and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Brown being slightly longer than the Taro. Gamers may prefer the Taro's shorter travel distance for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Brown and Jwick Taro switches both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. The Brown switch, however, offers a bit more of a subdued typing experience compared to the Taro switch, which produces more acute and crisp clacks. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is known for a buttery typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch provides a stepped tactile sensation, offering a more mild and uniform typing feel with a snappy response. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Taro switch offering a slightly different tactile feel compared to the Brown switch.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and Jwick Taro switches may have some differences in sound and feel, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more subdued typing sound with a buttery feel, or a crisper typing sound with a stepped tactile sensation, you can expect similar results in terms of comfort and overall performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more traditional typing feel, the Outemu Brown may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a smoother, more buttery typing sensation with a stepped tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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