TTC Silent Brown vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and the Jwick Taro both offer a satisfying tactile experience. The Silent Brown is well-loved for its light-medium resistance and rounded tactile bump, providing a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches are known for their muted sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a snappy, medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switches also boast a cozy and subdued color scheme, adding a touch of aesthetic appeal to your typing setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision when choosing your preferred switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Brown and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. So, in terms of sound and aesthetics, the Silent Brown and the Taro will provide similar results.
On the other hand, the Silent Brown and the Taro differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Silent Brown uses a nylon bottom housing, while the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will have a similar sound when pressed down, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the main difference between the TTC Silent Brown and the Jwick Taro lies in their bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on these aspects, and since both switches have a nylon bottom housing, they will provide a comparable typing experience. However, the top housing of the switches will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Considering this, the Silent Brown and the Taro may showcase slight distinctions in the sound they produce when keys are released. Nonetheless, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to their overall performance and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Silent Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Taro switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category.
In terms of weight, both switches offer a decent level of resistance, suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, if weight is a crucial factor for someone, the Silent Brown switch could be considered lighter, as it requires slightly less force for actuation compared to the Taro switch. This lighter actuation force may be advantageous for users who need to type for extended periods, such as at work or during marathon gaming sessions.
While the actuation forces differ between the two switches, the bottom out forces are relatively similar. Both the Silent Brown and Taro switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying and pronounced keystroke. Therefore, individuals seeking this type of tactile response would achieve similar results with either switch option.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Silent Brown and the Jwick Taro switches showcase slight variations. The Silent Brown offers a lighter actuation force, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, while the Taro switch's actuation force remains unknown. Nonetheless, both switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, delivering a substantial typing experience that some users prefer.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch 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 seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, either of these switches would provide a suitable option. However, it is worth noting that the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance, offering a touch more depth in comparison to the Taro. This added depth may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more instantaneous feedback or a slightly deeper and more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Brown and Jwick Taro switches offer different profiles. The Silent Brown switches are known for their muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate level of sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Silent Brown and Taro switches offer a buttery typing experience. A buttery switch refers to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing seamless and effortless typing sensations. Additionally, the Silent Brown switches are described as mild, meaning they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Taro switches have a stepped feel, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback. This gives a more mild tactile experience, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Silent Brown and Taro switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound profile and a smooth, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a buttery feel with a stepped tactile feedback. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a comfortable typing experience and a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Silent Brown switches would be a great choice. These switches offer a satisfying rounded tactile bump and have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Additionally, they are known for their muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro switches would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a cozy typing experience and produce acute and crisp clacks. Their neutral sound profile also makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for resistance, sound profile, and feel.
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