Huano Sakura vs. Jwick Taro

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and the Jwick Taro offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Sakura switch is characterized by its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it a fantastic option for users who prioritize speed and comfort during lengthy typing sessions. Its linear design ensures smooth keystrokes without the interruption of tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch presents a tactile experience with a snappy response and acute, crisp clacks, appealing to typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. The Taro's 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped' characteristics provide a friendly balance for both casual and serious typing tasks while contributing to a cozy auditory experience. Each switch has its merits: the Sakura for its effortless navigation, and the Taro for its engaging tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Sakura Linear

Jwick Taro Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Jwick Taro, we see a notable contrast in their top housing materials, while their bottom housings share a commonality. The Sakura employs POK material, known for its smooth characteristics and remarkable durability. With a low coefficient of friction at 0.04 and extraordinary wear resistance that is 14 times stronger than POM, POK contributes to a smoother and more clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Taro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a more defined, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature enhances the crispness of keystrokes, effectively catering to users seeking a clear auditory feedback when typing.

However, both the Huano Sakura and Jwick Taro utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared characteristic means that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile attributable to nylon's softer properties. The sound-absorbing qualities of nylon lead to a more rounded auditory experience, thereby mitigating the harsher, crisper sounds that might arise from the top housings. Consequently, while the top housing differences significantly influence the sound and feel associated with keystrokes, the similar nylon bottom housings ground both switches with a uniquely rich sound.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of different top housings with the common nylon bottom housing results in a versatile typing experience across both switches. While the Sakura focuses on durability and smoothness through its POK top, the Taro emphasizes acoustics with its polycarbonate material. Nonetheless, the nylon base ensures that regardless of the upper housing, users will experience a satisfying tactile feedback combined with a deeply resonant sound. This synergy between distinct top and uniform bottom housings creates a unique blend of characteristics, tailoring each switch to different user preferences while achieving complementary results.

Weight

The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura has a measured actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which renders it a light option, making it suitable for users who prefer minimal resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taro, while lacking a specific actuation force value, has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This higher resistance could be more appealing to those who favor a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Overall, the Sakura is the lighter option between the two, while the Taro's heavier bottom out force offers a different typing experience for those seeking more resistance. The difference in actuation forces suggests that users looking for a lighter touch should lean toward the Sakura, while those preferring heavier feedback might be drawn to the Taro.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find that the Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This indicates that if you favor a more responsive feel, the Sakura may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial depth when pressing keys, the Taro’s longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Overall, while both switches offer advantages depending on individual preferences, the shorter travel distance of the Sakura makes it ideal for quicker responses, while the Taro offers a deeper, more traditional keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch produces medium acoustics, striking a balance that is well-suited for long typing sessions without overwhelming noise. This moderate sound profile makes it a versatile choice, fitting in nicely in both quieter environments and more active settings. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is characterized by its acute and crisp clacks, giving it a sharp auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. This contrast in sound signatures suggests that while both switches can be comfortable for various settings, the Taro provides a more pronounced auditory experience, especially favored by those who enjoy tactile feedback.

Regarding feel, the Sakura switch is known for its extremely light touch, offering a smooth keystroke that adds to its comfort during extended usage. This lightness is ideal for users seeking a gentle typing experience without the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. Conversely, the Taro switch excels through its layered tactile feedback, providing a snappy sensation along with a buttery smoothness that makes each keystroke feel effortless. The stepped design allows for pre-travel and post-travel sensations, giving users a distinctive feedback that differentiates it from many linear switches. Consequently, while both switches cater to unique preferences, the Taro's tactile characteristics stand out significantly compared to the more fluid responsiveness of the Sakura.

In summary, the Huano Sakura linear switch and Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different typing styles. The Sakura is quiet and smooth, ideal for prolonged typing without distraction, while the Taro delivers sharp sound and nuanced tactile feedback for an engaging typing experience. Depending on personal preference—such as whether one prefers a quieter, lighter switch or a more pronounced tactile sensation—it is possible to find satisfaction in both options. Whether you're typing away during long work hours or indulging in gaming sessions, both switches provide unique advantages tailored to individual needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, selecting between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lightweight feel for extended typing sessions, the Sakura’s 45-gram actuation force and smooth, linear keystrokes make it an excellent choice, especially for those who prioritize speed and a quieter experience. This switch is perfect for environments where minimal noise is appreciated or if you're someone who prefers a more fluid typing sensation without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more deliberate typing experience with clear feedback, the Taro’s medium-heavy 67-gram actuation force, along with its crisp, tactile bumps, will likely appeal to you. The Taro’s “buttery” typing experience, combined with its neutral sound profile, is great for both casual use at home and professional environments, allowing for a pleasant auditory and tactile sensation. Therefore, assess your typing style and environment to make the best decision: lighter, smoother typing with Sakura or a tactile, more pronounced experience with Taro.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more