Jwick Taro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stand out as popular choices in the market. The Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a linear switch, revolutionizes silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While the Taro switch offers a comfortable and tactile typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° switch excels in providing silent and smooth key presses. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Taro and the Zero Degree 0° both feature nylon bottom housings, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While both the Taro and the Zero Degree 0° share similarities in their choice of housing materials, the distribution of these materials plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material, in this case, nylon, impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material, polycarbonate, influences the sound when a key is released. This division allows for a dynamic typing experience, where the different properties of each material are felt and heard at different points in the keystroke.
In essence, the Jwick Taro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer a blend of qualities through their housing materials that cater to different aspects of typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharp and clear sound profile, their nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. The distinct characteristics of each material combine to create a unique typing sensation, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Zero Degree's actuation force of 45 grams. The Taro switch lacks an actuation force, indicating that it may be more challenging to determine the exact force needed to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Taro switch is heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree switch's lighter actuation force could be favored by users looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience over extended periods. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Taro switch offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Zero Degree 0° switch. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Zero Degree 0° switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience due to their closely matched travel distances, so you can expect comparable results from either option.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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 it comes to sound, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral experience with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced. The sound produced is described as acute and crisp, delivering a satisfying clack with a medium level of tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to revolutionize silent typing, absorbing sound and reducing noise thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. The sound produced by the Zero Degree 0° switch is not specified, but it is likely to be significantly quieter than the Taro switch.
In terms of feel, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, the Taro switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a mild tactility with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not specified, but based on its design aiming for smoothness and stability, it likely offers a consistent and comfortable linear feel with minimal friction.
Overall, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-level tactility, crisp sound, and a buttery, stepped feel, the Jwick Taro switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness, stability, and noise reduction, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a cozy typing experience with medium-heavy tactility and a moderate sound profile, the Taro switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a silent typing experience with no bottom out force, the Zero Degree 0° switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. Happy typing!
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