Jwick Taro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Taro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch immerses you in a satisfying typing experience with its deep and thocky sound profile, thanks to a lengthened single-stage spring. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Taro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Taro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to its overall sharper and crisper sound profile.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are divided between the two switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Taro and the Tourmaline Blue have some similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing material, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of the overall sound profile they produce.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. Starting with the actuation force, the specific value for the Taro switch is not available, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of the bottom out force, both switches share the same value of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight, the Taro switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. With an unknown actuation force, its overall weight might lend itself to longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches share the same force of 67 grams. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Jwick Taro switch remains unknown, it can be a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a stronger push feel. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches require the same force, resulting in similar results in terms of keypress resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jwick Taro tactile switch is 3.7mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Taro with its 3.7mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter press, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize quick response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue with its 4mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Taro switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate actuation force requirement, resulting in a moderate sound. This makes the switch suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you are using it at home or work. The Tourmaline Blue switch also has a neutral sound profile, with a similar moderate actuation force requirement. This means that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience without being too loud or too soft. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The stepped characteristic of the Taro switch means that it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is also described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is described as easy-to-press and mild. The easy-to-press characteristic means that the Tourmaline Blue switch requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristic of the switch offers a gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provide satisfying typing experiences. They have similar sound profiles, with a neutral and moderate sound. The Taro switch has a buttery and stepped feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel. These qualities make both switches enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Overall, whether you choose the Taro or Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility and acute clacks, then the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a buttery and stepped feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with mild pre-travel and/or post-travel. In terms of sound, the Taro is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. With an easy-to-press and mild feel, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Similar to the Taro, the Tourmaline Blue is also described as neutral in terms of sound.
Ultimately, the decision between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch will come down to your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired level of tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can enhance your typing sessions in different ways.
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