Outemu Silent Green vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the Jwick Taro offer distinct experiences for users. The Silent Green is a linear switch, known for its quiet operation and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch, providing a cozy typing experience with a snappy level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Silent Green may be preferred for its noiseless typing, the Taro's tactile feedback may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Green and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means they share similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to softer plastics like nylon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall design. With the top housing playing a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, both switches are likely to produce a clear and resonant sound due to their polycarbonate top housings.
In contrast, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. While the Outemu Silent Green retains the use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing, the Jwick Taro opts for a nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Taro results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate. This difference in material for the bottom housing will impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the characteristics of the bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. With the Outemu Silent Green featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings, it is likely to provide a sharper, crisper sound profile both when pressing down and releasing a key. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches highlight the importance of material selection in achieving the desired typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it becomes clear that they offer different typing experiences. The Silent Green requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Taro, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Taro is heavier at 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Green, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more resistant key press may find the Taro to be more satisfying, as it requires a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Silent Green offering a slightly deeper key press compared to the Taro. Gamers may lean towards the Taro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate and deeper key press may opt for the Silent Green. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Silent 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 Silent Green switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch has a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between being audible without being overly loud. Depending on the overall setup of your mechanical keyboard, the sound produced by each switch may vary, but both options offer a pleasant typing sound overall.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch is praised for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. Conversely, the Jwick Taro switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with a medium level of tactility. Additionally, the Taro switch is labeled as stepped, meaning it provides a more subtle tactile sensation compared to a full-on bump, giving users a more gentle keystroke sensation.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Green and Jwick Taro switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Silent Green switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience with its linear action, the Taro switch stands out for its buttery and stepped tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a cozy color scheme, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound, as well as the level of tactility you desire in a switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a satisfying typing experience.
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