Kailh Sage vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Sage and the Jwick Taro. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that is known for its invigorating and sharp typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a refreshing clickiness while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro is a tactile switch that offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. It provides a snappy feel and produces acute and crisp clacks, making it a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and buttery typing experience. 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 Kailh Sage and Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Sage and Taro utilize nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The relatively softer nature of this plastic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing playing a significant role in this aspect.
It is important to note that while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the Kailh Sage and Jwick Taro may exhibit slight differences in key release sound, but they will provide consistent results in terms of bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the specific force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches is unavailable. However, it can be assumed that both switches likely have a similar actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, we find that the Kailh Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling within the medium-heavy range.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. However, others prefer a heavier push feel to provide a more substantial typing experience. For those who enjoy a heavier force, both the Kailh Sage and Jwick Taro switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, which may be suitable for their preferences.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of both switches is not disclosed, it can be inferred that they provide similar results. However, the Kailh Sage has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Jwick Taro offers a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams. These variations in bottom out force may cater to the preferences of individuals who specifically desire a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Sage may be the better option for you. However, some individuals may find the abruptness of shorter travel distances uncomfortable, and for them, the Taro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference 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 Kailh Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a distinctive "crunchy" sound. This sound is often associated with clicky switches and is likened to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the moderate range and is suitable for various purposes, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether it be for home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Sage is described as invigorating. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Sage has a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro has a "buttery" feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro is categorized as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. It has some pre-travel and/or post-travel, distinguishing it from the more intense feedback of a hypertactile switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a heavy and sharp clickiness, which provides a distinct clicky typing experience. It has an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. It has a "buttery" and stepped feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile bump. While the sound and feel qualities differ between the two switches, both offer enjoyable typing experiences in their own unique ways. Depending on your preference for a clicky or tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy and sharp clicky typing experience, the Kailh Sage switches would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a refreshingly sharp clickiness and a weight that is quite heavy. Additionally, they provide an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy and medium-level tactile experience, the Jwick Taro switches would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a comfortable and snappy typing experience. They have a buttery and seamless keystroke, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Overall, the Kailh Sage switches are ideal for those who prefer a heavier clicky switch with a strong tactile feedback, while the Jwick Taro switches are better suited for those looking for a comfortable and cozy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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