Jwick Taro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jwick Taro and Gateron Weightlessness mechanical keyboard switches, both of these tactile options offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Jwick Taro switches stand out with their comfortable and subdued color scheme, creating a cozy aesthetic that mirrors the typing experience they provide. Featuring a snappy, medium-level tactility, users will appreciate the acute and crisp clacks produced with each keystroke, delivering a satisfying feedback that makes typing both enjoyable and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a balanced sound profile that finely complements their tactile response. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feedback that tactile switches are known for. While both switches have their merits—whether it's the more pronounced response of the Taro or the understated elegance of the Weightlessness—it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which switch aligns best with your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches exhibit distinct differences that influence the auditory and tactile experiences they provide. The Taro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sharp and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This rigidity allows for a resonant and clear auditory feedback, particularly beneficial for users who prioritize sound clarity in their typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic output. This divergence in materials fundamentally alters the character of each switch, with the Taro producing a higher-pitched sound, while the Weightlessness allows for a more subdued, rounded auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, similarities emerge as both the Taro and Weightlessness utilize nylon. This common material contributes to a similar sound profile in the lower half of the switches, allowing for a deeper and fuller response upon bottoming out. Since nylon is designed to absorb sound, both switches benefit from a softer, less sharp auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel more solid and satisfying. Thus, while the top housings create distinct differences in sound perception, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures that both switches ultimately provide a rich and pronounced bottom-out experience.
In summary, the contrast between the Taro's polycarbonate top housing and the Weightlessness's nylon top housing leads to varying sound profiles in typing, with the former delivering a crisper note and the latter a fuller tone. However, the nylon material shared in the bottom housings ensures that both switches maintain a similar depth of sound upon actuation, harmonizing the different characteristics each switch presents. Therefore, if one seeks specific auditory outcomes while typing, exploring both models reveals how the blend of materials influences the final experience, showcasing the interplay between the rigidity of polycarbonate and the absorbent qualities of nylon.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Taro switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, but its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a measurable actuation force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option, while its bottom out force is not specified. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may favor the Gateron Weightlessness, whereas those looking for a more substantial feel from their keystrokes might lean towards the Jwick Taro, despite lacking data on its actuation force. Overall, the contrasting actuation forces highlight how users can achieve different typing experiences based on their force preferences, underscoring the significance of weight considerations in choosing a switch.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Taro switch offers a more substantial key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, might be more suitable for gamers or those who prioritize quick response times and less travel for faster actuation. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more responsive experience, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Taro caters to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 considering the sound of the Jwick Taro tactile switch, users can expect acute and crisp clacks that contribute to a lively typing experience. This switch emits a balanced neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both home and work environments, appealing to a wide range of users. In contrast, while details on the Gateron Weightlessness switches’ sound profile are not explicitly provided, they are known for having a balanced sound that complements their tactile qualities. Consequently, while both switches may be quiet enough for an office setting, the Taro’s sharper sound could offer a more auditory typing feedback.
In terms of feel, the Taro switch stands out with its buttery smoothness and stepped tactile design. This combination allows for a seamless and fluid keystroke experience, while the stepped nature provides a distinct tactile bump that's noticeable enough to enhance typing feedback without being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel, suggesting they may provide a gentler typing experience. However, specific descriptions of their tactile feedback nuances are absent, leaving a question mark regarding how they might compare to the Taro's defined tactile characteristics.
In summary, the Jwick Taro and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches each have their own distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Taro switches are characterized by their acute sound and a defined tactile experience that blends smoothness with a noticeable bump. Meanwhile, while definitive details on the Weightlessness switches’ sound and feel are limited, their moderate tactile feel and balanced sound suggest they cater to those who prefer a subtler typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Taro’s articulate feedback or the understated qualities of the Weightlessness, both options can provide an enjoyable mechanical keyboard typing experience based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a snappy, medium level of tactility combined with a crisp sound profile, the Jwick Taro would be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams offers a satisfying feedback that encourages a deliberate typing style, making it well-suited for both everyday use and more intense typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel and a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness is likely a better fit. This switch may appeal to you if you want a less pronounced feedback, allowing for a more fluid typing experience without overwhelming sound. Ultimately, consider your typing style—whether you want a more pronounced touch or a smooth, understated feel—when choosing between these two options to enhance your keyboard experience.
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