Outemu Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Red switch is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility, accompanied by satisfying clacks. While the Red switch is favored for its simplicity and reliability, the Taro switch stands out for its cozy feeling and distinctive color scheme. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and Jwick Taro switches, it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both the Outemu Red and Jwick Taro switches offer similar characteristics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Outemu Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. In this aspect, both switches offer a consistent and comparable typing experience due to their identical bottom housing material.
In essence, while the top housing material of both the Outemu Red and Jwick Taro switches may be the same, their bottom housing materials differ slightly. This distinction comes into play when considering the impact each housing material has on the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches provide a unique typing experience that balances the qualities of their respective housing materials to produce a satisfying and consistent sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch differ slightly in weight. The Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro has an actuation force that is unknown and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which puts it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Taro switch requires a slightly heavier touch to press all the way down compared to the Red switch. The lighter actuation force of the Red switch may appeal to users who prefer a smoother typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Taro switch may be favored by those seeking a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Jwick Taro tactile switch. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Red being on the longer end and the Taro being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for a faster response time may lean towards the Taro switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may prefer the Red switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their keyboard.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch remains an undefined characteristic, making it difficult to compare directly to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which is described as having a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. The Taro switch produces acute and crisp clacks, providing a satisfying auditory experience that complements its tactile nature. However, it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the Outemu Red switch lacks a specific description, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, known for its buttery typing experience and stepped tactility. The Taro switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, delivering a seamless and effortless typing sensation that is gentle and refined, with discernible pre-travel and post-travel stages. This unique tactile feedback enhances the typing experience, providing users with a comfortable and satisfying feel while typing.
Overall, while the Outemu Red linear switch may lack specific characteristics in sound and feel, the Jwick Taro tactile switch stands out for its cozy typing experience, neutral sound profile, buttery feel, and stepped tactility. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a pleasant and personalized typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and needs, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing performance and satisfaction when using either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience, the Outemu Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force, medium-level tactility, and a cozy typing experience with a buttery and stepped feel, then the Jwick Taro switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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