Outemu Silent White vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent White and the Jwick Taro mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the difference in their primary characteristics. The Silent White is known for its linear feel, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch stands out for its tactile feedback, offering a comfortable typing sensation with a medium level of tactility. While the Silent White may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward typing experience, the Taro switch could be ideal for individuals who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback while typing. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Jwick Taro feature similar polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Both switches can benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
However, where the Outemu Silent White and the Jwick Taro differ is in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. With their nylon bottom housings, the Silent White and Taro switches provide a distinct typing experience that sets them apart from each other.
While the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing material has a more pronounced impact on the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound profile and feel, are more noticeable during bottom-out moments, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Silent White and the Jwick Taro, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Taro is slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Silent White's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent White may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Taro switch would be more suitable for individuals looking for a more robust and substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. The Silent White falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with its 3.3 mm travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 White 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 White switch is known for being quiet, while the Jwick Taro switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used in various environments such as at home or work. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have a specific description provided, but the Jwick Taro switch is described as having a buttery and stepped feel. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, a stepped switch implies a tactile feel with two stages, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This means that the Taro switch offers a more nuanced tactile experience compared to the Silent White switch.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White switch is known for its quiet operation, the Jwick Taro switch provides a comfortable and cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. Both switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing experience. Whether you prefer a quiet and linear switch like the Silent White or a tactile and nuanced switch like the Taro, both options provide high-quality performance for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Outemu Silent White linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a cozy typing experience with a moderate level of tactility, then the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider these factors when selecting the switch that best fits your needs and preferences.
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