Jwick Taro vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Type S, a linear switch. The Jwick Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch boasts a weightier keystroke with a pleasingly balanced sound signature. While the Taro switch provides a buttery and stepped typing experience, the Type S switch offers a neutral and subdued feel. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Type S, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housings. Both switches share this quality in their bottom housings, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where they differ is in their top housing materials. The Taro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Type S utilizes a nylon top housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The choice of housing material for the top housing significantly impacts the sound profile when releasing a key, offering a distinct typing experience between the two switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed across the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing tends to have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Taro and Type S having different top and bottom housing materials, users can expect variations in sound profiles and typing experiences based on the combination of nylon and polycarbonate components in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, it is clear that the Type S is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Taro remains unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Taro at 67 grams and the Type S at 65 grams. This means that while the Type S may offer a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, both switches will provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Type S for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Taro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Type S linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches provide a tactile feel when pressed, the Taro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Type S offers a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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, both the Jwick Taro and Gateron Type S switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. However, the Taro switch provides a more crisp and acute sound, while the Type S switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jwick Taro switch is often described as buttery and stepped, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with a medium level of tactility. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the Gateron Type S switch is unavailable. Therefore, based on the available information, the Taro switch is likely to offer a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the linear Type S switch.
Overall, both the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Taro switch offers a snappy typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Type S switch provides a weightier keystroke with a more balanced and subdued acoustic experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactility, newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches may find either switch to be a suitable choice for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider your preference for a slightly heavier keystroke and a snappier, medium-level of tactility with subtle yet acute clacks, the Taro may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke with a sound signature that strikes a balance between neutral and deeper acoustics, the Gateron Type S could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you are seeking, whether it be a buttery and stepped feel with the Taro or the contemporary factory-lubed experience of the Type S. Consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.
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