Kailh Plum vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, two popular tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences are the Kailh Plum and the Jwick Taro. The Kailh Plum switch stands out for its hefty feel and relatively subtle tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches in the market. Despite its weightiness, the Plum still manages to maintain a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a cozy and subdued typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Stepped', emphasizing their similarities in terms of overall feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Plum and Jwick Taro keyboards share a significant similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate due to its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for keyboards with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and visual experience when using either the Kailh Plum or Jwick Taro keyboards.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Plum employs a nylon material, while the Taro also utilizes nylon. This similarity in housing material brings about a common outcome - a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these keyboards. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with both the Plum and Taro keyboards, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile.
It is important to note that the differentiation in housing materials between the top and bottom of the keyboards impacts the sound and feel of each. Pressing down on these keyboards emphasizes the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the impact of the top housing is more prominent when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the design and arrangement of the housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience on the Kailh Plum and Jwick Taro keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific force values for actuation are unavailable for both switches. However, we can still draw comparisons based on the information provided.
Both switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Kailh Plum at 70 grams and the Jwick Taro at 67 grams. This indicates that typing on both switches will result in a somewhat substantial and satisfying tactile feedback when pressing the keys all the way down.
When considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Unfortunately, the actuation force of both switches is unknown, so we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect.
For those who prioritize a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. This means that users can expect a satisfying tactile sensation when pressing the keys to their maximum depth.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Kailh Plum and Jwick Taro switches remains unknown, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force for a satisfying typing experience. The choice of which switch to use will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch are quite similar, with the Plum having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Taro having a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, either switch would provide similar results. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Plum tactile switch is known for its unique combination of weightiness and mild tactility. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum does not have a pronounced bump, giving it a distinctive feel. The sound profile of the Plum is described as neutral and enjoyable, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of snappy tactility. The sound produced by the Taro switches is described as acute and crisp, giving a satisfying clack sound when typing. The Taro switches also have a stepped feel, meaning there is a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation during keystrokes.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they produce a moderate sound when typing. The Plum provides a mild typing experience, making it suitable for most users with its safe middle-ground qualities. The Taro, on the other hand, offers a buttery smooth keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Plum and Taro switches have different subjective qualities. The Plum has a unique weightiness and mild tactility, while the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility and a crisp sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a stepped feel. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, both the Kailh Plum and the Jwick Taro are excellent options. However, there are some differences to consider. The Plum stands out for its unique combination of weightiness and a less pronounced tactile bump, providing a hefty yet subtle typing experience. Its sound profile is neutral and enjoyable, making it suitable for a variety of uses. On the other hand, the Taro offers a cozy and comfortable typing experience with a snappy medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. The Taro also has a buttery keystroke experience, providing a smooth and fluid sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer a moderate actuation force and sound profile, making them suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether for home or work use. The Plum's mild and stepped feel offers a gentle typing experience, while the Taro's stepped feel enhances its mild tactility. In the end, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for the specific tactile feel and typing experience you desire.
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