Outemu Green vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular choices are the Outemu Green, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Outemu Green switch is best known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the audible and tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a more subdued typing experience with a medium level of tactility and a comfortable feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
65g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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 housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Jwick Taro switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while the top housing may be the same for both switches, the differences in their bottom housings can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel.
In contrast, the Outemu Green features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro also boasts a nylon bottom housing, offering similar characteristics of a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite both switches sharing this bottom housing material, the differences in their top housings can still affect the overall typing experience.
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Jwick Taro switches, it becomes evident that while they share similar top and bottom housing materials, the overall sound and feel can still vary. The impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key, while the qualities of the bottom housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper sound profile of nylon, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall typing experience and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force for the Green switch is also higher at 80 grams, while the Taro switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Outemu Green switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Jwick Taro switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Taro switch may be more suitable due to its lower bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Outemu Green switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green 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. In terms of travel distance, the Outemu Green clicky switch would be considered longer than the Jwick Taro tactile switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact typing or gaming experiences. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jwick Taro switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Green switch. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the slight variation in travel distance may cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Green clicky switch is known for its sharp, clicky sound, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. The Green switch will provide a more pronounced and possibly louder typing experience, whereas the Taro switch will be more subdued and less disruptive in noise-sensitive settings. Both switches can be affected by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup for the desired sound output.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green switch is not specified, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feel of the Taro switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and comfortable typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped feature of the Taro switch offers a more gradual tactile feedback, with distinct stages in the keystroke process. This can result in a more controlled and deliberate typing experience compared to a switch with a single, intense tactile bump like the Outemu Green.
Overall, the Outemu Green clicky switch and Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Green switch provides a sharp, clicky sound with an unspecified feel, while the Taro switch offers a neutral sound profile with a buttery and stepped feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the more pronounced and tactile experience of the Green switch or the smoother and more controlled typing experience of the Taro switch. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on the individual's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy bottom out force and sharp clicky sound, the Outemu Green may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery, stepped typing sensation with a cozy color scheme, the Jwick Taro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a loud and tactile typing experience or a more subtle and smooth one. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for the ultimate mechanical keyboard experience.
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