Jwick Taro vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the distinct characteristics of various options, such as the tactile Jwick Taro and the linear TTC Yunhai. The Taro switches are celebrated for their cozy subdued color scheme and a snappy, medium-level tactility that delivers acute, crisp clacks with every keystroke. This makes them a suitable choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, offering a tactile experience that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai caters to those who lean towards a smoother, more fluid experience with their feathery touch. With a light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile, these switches are perfect for typists seeking an effortless feel, allowing for swift typing without the strain often associated with heavier switches. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preference—whether you favor feedback and engagement or a gentle glide—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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and TTC Yunhai switches showcase significant differences in their top housing materials, leading to distinct acoustic profiles. The Taro's use of polycarbonate for its top housing generates a sharper, more vibrant sound, attributed to the material's rigidity. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those seeking a clear and resonant sound experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, creating a subdued and rounded acoustics, ideal for users who prefer a more muted keystroke.
However, both the Taro and Yunhai share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which contributes similarly to their overall sound profiles. The nylon in both models provides a consistency in the typing experience, yielding a dampened, rounded sound when a key is pressed down. This characteristic plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound, whereby the soft plastic material absorbs some of the impact noise during key presses. This commonality between the two designs means that while the top housings create different auditory experiences, the bottom housing contributes to a unified depth in sound across both switches.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the Taro and Yunhai creates a distinctive interplay between the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones from the nylon bottoms in the Taro, contrasted with the consistent nylon properties found in the Yunhai. Typing on the Taro will produce a brighter auditory feedback upon release, while the Yunhai will maintain a softer, more rounded sound. For enthusiasts looking for a unique soundscape, these differences manifest in the tactile experience of each switch, making the choice largely dependent on personal preferences for either vibrant or mellow keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taro does not have a specified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Taro's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Overall, while the Taro lacks an actuation force measurement, its bottom out force is significantly heavier compared to the Yunhai's, making the Yunhai the lighter option between the two.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch differ slightly in travel distance, with the Taro measuring 3.7 mm and the Yunhai at 3.6 mm. This small variance indicates that the Taro offers a marginally longer travel distance compared to the Yunhai, which can influence the feel and responsiveness of key presses. Gamers who favor quicker response times might lean towards the Yunhai for its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation may prefer the Taro. Ultimately, while both switches fall within a similar range of travel distances, the Taro provides a slight advantage in depth that might appeal to users looking for more tactile feedback.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 tactile switches produce acute and crisp clacks, creating a lively auditory experience that can energize typing sessions. The sound is characterized by its clarity and sharpness, which adds an engaging element to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switches deliver a deep, rounded sound profile, resulting in a more subdued auditory presence. This softer sound is ideal for users who prefer to type in quieter environments or who want something less obtrusive. However, it’s important to note that the ultimately perceived sound can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, meaning both switches can exhibit different acoustic properties depending on their circumstances.
When it comes to feel, the Taro switches stand out with their buttery and stepped tactile sensation. The buttery aspect offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, allowing for seamless transitions during typing. The stepped design introduces a mild tactile bump, providing distinct feedback at the actuation point while maintaining a comfortable feel throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches shine with their feathery feel. This switch offers an exceptionally light actuation force, which reduces finger fatigue during extended typing. For users who prioritize comfort and ease of use, the Yunhai's gentle touch is incredibly appealing, especially during long sessions of typing or gaming.
In summary, both the Jwick Taro and TTC Yunhai switches offer unique yet enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Taro's active sound and tactile engagement create a more dynamic typing environment, whereas the Yunhai's soft sound and light feel cater to those who prioritize comfort and subdued acoustics. Users will find that both switches can deliver satisfying results based on their specific desires in terms of sound and tactile feedback, leading to a wide range of enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback paired with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Taro switches are likely your best option. Their snappy response and crisp sound profile create a satisfying typing experience, making them ideal for typists who enjoy hearing auditory cues while they type. The unique stepped feel of the Taro can also enhance your accuracy, especially if your work involves a lot of typing with nuanced keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless experience, the Yunhai switches might be the better choice for you. With a feathery feel and a deep, rounded sound, these switches can significantly reduce finger fatigue, which is especially beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In essence, if you value speed, lightness, and comfort, go for the Yunhai; but if you desire tactile feedback and a more engaging acoustic experience, the Taro should be your go-to.
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