KTT Peach vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available. Two popular choices are the KTT Peach, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Peach is well-known for its linear characteristics, offering a smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile. With its low-pitched, neutral, and mild qualities, the Peach switch provides a soothing and satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Taro switch stands out with its cozy and subdued color scheme, offering a similarly comfortable typing experience. It provides a medium-level of tactility, giving a snappy feel and producing acute and crisp clacks. Categorized as neutral, buttery, and stepped, the Taro switch provides a unique and delightful typing experience. As you can see, both switches have their own distinct features and advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Peach and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice provides several advantages for both switches. Firstly, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This enhanced clarity and resonance make the keys more satisfying to type on. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Thus, both the Peach and the Taro share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings.
However, the differences arise when considering the bottom housings. The Peach features a nylon bottom housing, while the Taro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is renowned as a classic switch housing material due to its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is achieved through the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Peach's bottom housing contributes to creating a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Taro's nylon bottom housing elicits the same qualities, providing a deep and satisfying sound when typing.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material are divided between the top and the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the KTT Peach and the Jwick Taro both offer the advantages of using polycarbonate in their top housings, their differences lie in the impact of their nylon bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Peach linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences to consider. The Peach has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which puts it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach switch would be the more suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without strain, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Taro switch with its heavier bottom out force would be more appropriate.
It is important to note that while the exact actuation force for the Taro switch is unknown, the higher bottom out force suggests that it may require a slightly heavier actuation force as well. Both switches offer their own advantages, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Peach's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Taro's 3.7mm travel distance is slightly shallower, which some gamers prefer for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Taro would be a good option. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Peach with its longer travel distance would be a better fit.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 KTT Peach linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, resulting in a deep and thocky sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer a similar sound experience with a neutral profile, although the Peach may lean towards a lower pitch while the Taro may have a crisper clack.
In terms of feel, the KTT Peach linear switch provides a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle and approachable feel, suited for most users. The Taro tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as feeling buttery. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This offers a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, such as hypertactile switches. Overall, while the Peach switch offers a mild and gentle feel, the Taro switch provides a buttery and stepped tactile experience.
In summary, the KTT Peach linear switch is known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. It has a mild feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. It has a buttery and stepped feel, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation. In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral profile, but the Peach leans towards a lower pitch while the Taro has a crisper clack. It's important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience. The Peach switch also offers a low-pitched sound, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Peach switch is described as having a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a cozy typing experience and acute, crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a snappy and tactile feel while typing. The Taro switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Taro switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also has a stepped feel, offering a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Peach linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and deep sound profile, along with a mild typing experience, the Peach switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a cozy typing experience and crisp clacks, along with a stepped feel, the Taro switch is the better choice for you. Consider your desired force, sound, and feel when making your decision.