KTT Semi Mute vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Semi Mute and the Jwick Taro offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The KTT Semi Mute, despite its name, operates silently, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, particularly during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are known for their muted yet cozy typing experience, complemented by a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. While the Semi Mute leans towards a more neutral and mild experience, the Taro switches offer a buttery and stepped tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Jwick Taro share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their choices of materials. The Semi Mute opts for polycarbonate, similar to its top housing, while the Taro utilizes nylon. Typing on the Semi Mute, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because the stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows it to absorb less sound, resulting in a more pronounced and vibrant sound. On the other hand, the Taro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, while the top housing materials bring similar sound qualities to both switches, the choice of materials for the bottom housing impacts the overall sound profile and feel when typing. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may gravitate towards the Semi Mute, with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Meanwhile, individuals who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may find the Taro's nylon bottom housing more appealing. Ultimately, the specific choice between the two switches depends on personal sound preferences and typing experience desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Semi Mute is lighter than the Taro. The Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls under the category of medium weight. On the other hand, the Taro's actuation force is not specified, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
The actuation force of a switch is significant as it refers to the force required to activate a keystroke. In the case of the Semi Mute, a moderate 43 grams of force is needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the exact actuation force for the Taro switch is unknown in this given information. As for the bottom out force, which measures the force required to fully press a key, the Semi Mute requires 58 grams, while the Taro demands a slightly higher force of 67 grams.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Semi Mute switch. Its relatively lower actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful typing experience may lean towards the Taro switch. Its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial keystroke.
In summary, while the actuation forces between the Semi Mute and Taro switches are not directly comparable, it is clear that the Taro possesses a higher bottom out force. The Semi Mute is lighter overall and offers a moderate typing experience, while the Taro provides a heavier and more substantial typing feel. Choose based on preferences for a lighter touch or a stronger push force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Semi Mute has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the difference may seem negligible, it can still impact the overall typing experience. The Semi Mute's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, providing a satisfying depth that some individuals may prefer. On the other hand, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, appealing to gamers and those seeking faster response times. It is important to note that both options offer a reasonable travel distance, ensuring that users will still obtain similar results in terms of key press feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience – be it a deeper and more substantial feel or a quicker response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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.
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 KTT Semi Mute switch is best described as muted. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is also described as neutral in terms of sound, having a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Semi Mute and Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the KTT Semi Mute switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the feel of the KTT Semi Mute switch approachable to most, as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Jwick Taro switch, on the other hand, is described as stepped. This means that it has a tactile feel that feels like it has two stages. It is more mild compared to hypertactile switches, allowing the user to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer enjoyable typing experiences. The KTT Semi Mute switch is best suited for those who value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, providing a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. It produces a muted sound and offers a mild and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch provides a snappy and medium-level of tactility while hearing acute and crisp clacks. It features a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you can achieve similar results with both options.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. They have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, the Semi Mute switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, referred to as a "buttery" feel, making typing seamless and effortless.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be the better option. It has a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Semi Mute, offering a medium-heavy feel. The Taro switches also have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a neutral sound profile. The keystroke experience is described as "buttery," similar to the Semi Mute, but with a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation, referred to as a "stepped" feel.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and a smooth typing experience, opt for the KTT Semi Mute linear switch. However, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a cozy feel and acute clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a great choice. Consider both the sound and feel characteristics to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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