Jwick Taro vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two popular options worth considering. The Taro switches are known for their cozy typing experience and subdued color scheme, offering a snappy and medium-level of tactility accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, making them a perfect fit for office and work environments. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile have different materials for their top housings. The Taro uses polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide unique acoustic experiences that can enhance the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Taro and the WS Silent Tactile share the same material, which is nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches create a similar dull and round sound when bottoming out the keys. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, and the nylon material in both switches contributes to a satisfying typing experience.
It's worth noting that if a switch features different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities each material brings will be split between the two aspects of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you'll feel the impact and experience the sound influenced by the bottom housing. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. This differentiation in housing materials adds depth and complexity to the auditory feedback provided by both the Jwick Taro and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific gram values for the actuation force of both switches are not available. However, it is mentioned that both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch. For those who prefer lighter switches, the Jwick Taro or the WS Silent Tactile would be suitable options as their actuation forces are not specified, suggesting that they might have lighter weights. Lighter switches are favored by individuals who type for longer periods, such as at work or during extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker, more effortless keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue.
On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may gravitate towards switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Jwick Taro might be a better choice, as it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier than the WS Silent Tactile's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying and tactile typing experience, giving the user a sense of feedback and solidity with each keystroke.
In summary, while the actuation forces of the Jwick Taro and the WS Silent Tactile switches are unknown, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force. The Jwick Taro may be preferable for those seeking a stronger push feel due to its slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the WS Silent Tactile. However, if a lighter switch is desired, both switches may yield similar results as their actuation forces are not specified. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for typing experience and desired weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances. The Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular in recent times, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Taro, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a bit more of a hearty depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel. However, for individuals who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the WS Silent Tactile with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. Overall, while there is a difference in travel distance between the two switches, they both offer similar results in terms of shorter travel distances and the advantages and preferences they entail.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, both the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch fall under the descriptor of "neutral." This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. However, the WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as "muted," which indicates that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Taro switch is described as "buttery" and "stepped." The "buttery" descriptor implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The "stepped" descriptor suggests that the switch has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as "accented," "invigorating," and "mild." The "accented" descriptor refers to a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The "invigorating" descriptor indicates pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing experience. Finally, the "mild" descriptor suggests that the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It stands in a safe middle ground zone, ensuring approachability for most users.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offer a comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, they both fall under the neutral category, with the WS Silent Tactile switch providing additional noise reduction due to its "muted" descriptor. In terms of feel, the Taro switch is "buttery" and "stepped," while the WS Silent Tactile switch is "accented," "invigorating," and "mild." While they have their unique qualities, both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience without compromising on comfort. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a cozy and comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility and enjoy hearing crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a tactile switch that strikes a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction and providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the perfect companion for your office and work environment. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a softer and quieter sound, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be ideal as it offers a muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation, the Taro switch would be a great fit for you. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and priorities.
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