Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, there are two excellent options to consider: the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Jwick Taro. The Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that is perfect for environments where quieter typing is a must. It offers a luxurious, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that provides a cozy typing experience. It has a snappy, medium level of tactility accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. While the Silent Ink Black is known for its silky, muted, polished characteristics, the Taro is categorized as neutral, buttery, and stepped. However, let's explore further beyond these generalities so you can choose the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Jwick Taro switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a clacky and satisfying thin sound when typing. In contrast, the Taro switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, the Silent Ink Black and the Taro switches will have varying sound characteristics due to their different top housing materials.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Silent Ink Black and the Taro switches also showcase differences. The Silent Ink Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the Taro switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Silent Ink Black and the Taro switches will be distinct due to their different bottom housing materials.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the impact of the top and bottom housings should be considered. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feeling when a key is fully pressed down. In this aspect, the Silent Ink Black and the Taro switches will showcase differences due to their different bottom housing materials. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, providing a unique auditory experience. Although the Silent Ink Black and the Taro switches have different top housing materials, their impact on the sound of releasing a key will be similar as both materials contribute to a higher-pitched and relatively sharp sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is medium-heavy, with the Silent Ink Black requiring 70 grams and the Taro requiring 67 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Silent Ink Black may be preferred by those who value extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for a lighter touch and reduces fatigue over time. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Taro, although it is worth noting that the actuation force is not specified. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying tactile response for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Therefore, while the specific actuation force of the Taro is unknown, the overall typing experience is likely to be similar to that of the Silent Ink Black due to their comparable bottom out forces in the medium-heavy range.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Taro's 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Silent Ink Black switch, you will feel a greater distance traveled. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black falls within the more traditional range, while the Taro's 3.7 mm is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Taro's slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press, the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is best known for its muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted nature of these switches helps to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, with a moderate level of sound. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Silent Ink Black being quieter and the Taro having a moderate level of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience. The silky attribute refers to the exceptionally smooth typing experience these switches offer. They enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches contributes to a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped. The buttery attribute refers to the smooth and fluid keystroke experience it provides. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform. The stepped attribute of the Taro switch implies that it has two stages of tactile feedback. It has a mild feel compared to hypertactile switches, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Silent Ink Black being silky and polished, while the Taro is buttery and stepped.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Jwick Taro switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Silent Ink Black offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it an ideal choice for environments that require quieter typing. It has a muted sound profile and provides a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience and has a snappy medium-level of tactility. It produces acute and crisp clacks while offering a buttery and stepped feel. Choosing between these switches would depend on personal preferences, as the Silent Ink Black provides a quieter experience with a smoother and more refined typing feel, while the Taro switch offers a moderate level of sound and a smooth, stepped sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are in need of a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel, while minimizing audio feedback. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black is described as having a muted sound profile, making it perfect for environments that require minimal noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a cozy typing experience and a medium level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a great fit. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a snappy feel and produces acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black offers a silky and polished typing experience, providing enhanced smoothness and reduced friction, while the Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped keystroke experience, providing a seamless and mild tactile sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific typing environment you require.
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