Jwick Taro vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jwick Taro and the Durock White Lotus. The Taro switches are known for their cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. Additionally, they feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them ideal for different preferences and typing needs. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and the Durock White Lotus differ in their housing material choices, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both switches utilize translucent materials, the Taro is more ideal for RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches share similar characteristics in terms of the bottom housing material.
When comparing the sound and feel of the switches, it's important to consider the impact of the different housing materials. The bottom housing, which is composed of nylon in both the Taro and the White Lotus, contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in the Taro and a modified PC & UPE Blend in the White Lotus, has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. The stiffer polycarbonate material used in the Taro creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the modified PC & UPE Blend in the White Lotus gives it a unique and premium sound quality.
In summary, the Jwick Taro and the Durock White Lotus differ in their top housing materials, with the Taro using polycarbonate and the White Lotus utilizing a modified PC & UPE Blend. The Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the modified PC & UPE Blend in the White Lotus gives it a unique and premium feel. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Furthermore, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Taro's actuation force is unfortunately unavailable, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams, making it lighter than the Taro. The White Lotus also has a lower bottom out force of 56 grams, suggesting a medium-light touch.
Considering weight in switch selection is crucial for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the White Lotus, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Taro or switches with heavier forces.
While the exact actuation force of the Taro is unknown, it is possible to achieve comparable results by selecting the White Lotus with its lighter actuation force. Additionally, both switches share a similar bottom out force range, ensuring a consistent typing experience once the keystroke reaches its maximum depression. Overall, the Taro tends to be on the heavier side, while the White Lotus provides a lighter option for those who prioritize a gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it becomes apparent that the Taro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the White Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered traditional travel distances for keyboards. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers looking for faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority, the Taro switch would be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing a key, the White Lotus switch with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Jwick Taro offers a neutral profile with a moderate sound level. It provides a comfortable typing experience with snappy tactility and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a neutral profile, making it suitable for most situations. Both switches provide satisfying sound experiences, although the White Lotus may have a softer and more soothing sound due to its low-pitched characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Jwick Taro provides a buttery and stepped experience. The keystrokes on these switches feel smooth, effortless, and uniform. With the stepped design, users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers an easy-to-press feel with gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus also has a mild and subtle typing feel, making it approachable to most users.
Based on the available information, the Jwick Taro and Durock White Lotus switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Taro offers a snappy and medium-level of tactility with a neutral sound profile. It provides a buttery and stepped feel during typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility and low-pitched sound profile. It provides an easy-to-press feel and a comfortable, low-impact typing experience. Both switches are suitable for various typing needs, whether for work or leisure. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a cozy and enjoyable typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a cozy typing experience, snappy tactility, and acute clacks, then the Jwick Taro switches are a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile option that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and comfort, with the added bonus of vibrant RGB lighting effects, then the Durock White Lotus switches would be an ideal option.
In terms of sound, the Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switch options offer a moderate actuation force requirement, catering to a wide range of typing preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Taro switches provide a buttery and stepped typing experience. This means you can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke, with a mild tactile bump that allows for some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. They have a gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable, while still maintaining a low-impact feel. Additionally, the White Lotus switches have a subtle tactile bump, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jwick Taro and Durock White Lotus switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics that matter most to you and select the switch option that aligns with your typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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