Outemu Tom vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom 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 Tom and Jwick Taro both offer unique features worth considering. The Tom switch is best known for its simplicity, while the Taro switch is celebrated for its cozy, subdued color scheme and medium level of tactility. The Tom switch is categorized as linear, while the Taro switch falls into the categories of neutral, buttery, and stepped. If you're looking for a switch with a cozy typing experience and crisp clacks, the Taro switch may be the way to go. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Tom and the Jwick Taro, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the bottom housing material differs - the Tom utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Taro also uses nylon for its bottom housing, but with a slightly different sound profile.
Despite the different bottom housing materials used in the Tom and Taro switches, both will still offer a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of typing. The Tom's use of nylon for the bottom housing will create a deeper and fuller sound, while the Taro's nylon bottom housing will absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in both switches contributes to a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences based on sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Tom and Jwick Taro switches ultimately affects the sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound, the difference in bottom housing materials between nylon in the Tom and Taro leads to contrasting sound profiles. The Tom's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound, while the Taro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller tone. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in switch design and how they can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Taro switch is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Tom switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Taro switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Tom switch would be lighter and more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preference, with the Tom being lighter and the Taro being heavier in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the Taro. The Tom's 3.3 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel distance allows for a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Overall, both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately comes 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 Tom 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 Tom tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. However, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and settings. The Taro switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement with a moderate sound level, resulting in a versatile switch that can accommodate different preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a buttery and stepped feel. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing users with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped feature of the Taro switches adds a mild tactile feel, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during each keystroke.
Overall, while the Outemu Tom and Jwick Taro tactile switches may have different sound and feel qualities, they both offer their own unique typing experiences. The Taro switches are known for their cozy typing feel with a snappy tactility and crisp clacks, making them suitable for a wide range of users and preferences. On the other hand, the Tom switches may offer a different tactile and auditory experience, providing users with alternative options to explore. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Tom tactile switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style the best.
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