Outemu Silent Grey vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Grey and the Jwick Taro offer unique advantages. The Silent Grey is revered for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Silent Grey is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience, the Taro switches offer a neutral, buttery, and stepped feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, their bottom housings differ.
Both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material is considered a classic choice for switch housing, offering a unique typing experience that complements the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Jwick Taro provide a satisfying typing experience with a combination of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches allows for a balance of qualities in sound and feel. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. Despite these differences, the Outemu Silent Grey and Jwick Taro both offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials providing a well-rounded sound profile.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. In comparison, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, also considered medium-heavy. While the actuation force for the Taro switch is not specified, we can assume it is in a similar range to the Silent Grey switch due to both being tactile switches. In terms of weight, both switches offer a substantial typing experience, with the Silent Grey being slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. This makes it a good option for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Taro switch may provide a slightly heavier push feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm. In this case, the Taro switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey switch. The 0.3mm may seem minimal, but it can make a difference in the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Taro switch, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Silent Grey switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile feel with a difference in travel distance that can cater to varying preferences.
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 Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is best known for its quiet operation, providing a serene typing experience that minimizes disruption in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a moderate sound profile that is described as neutral, making it suitable for various typing environments without being too loud or too subtle. Both switches offer different sound qualities, catering to different preferences based on the desired level of noise produced during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump and smooth keystroke, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is also mentioned to have a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Both switches offer unique tactile characteristics, allowing users to choose based on personal preferences for typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. Depending on whether you prioritize a silent typing experience or a smooth, buttery feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and Jwick Taro switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Silent Grey if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, choose the Taro if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom-out force, so the decision may come down to the specific sound and feel you prefer. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
