TL;DR:
+/- Silent performance;
- Good build quality with minimal leaf or spring ping;
+/- Sharp, tactile feel with a cushioned bottom-out;
- Hard to find in some regions.
Introduction
Silent switches are an often overlooked part of the keyboard world. Enthusiasts love customizing the sound of their keyboards, using terms like “thock” or “cream,” but silent switches aim to minimize sound, making them a niche choice. This review is focused on the Tacit V2 switches, made by JWK and sold by Keebwerk. In a market largely dominated by the Zilent and the Boba U4S, how do the Tacit V2s stack up?
The Factual Details
Tacit V2s are silent tactile switches housed in a clear shell. While the exact materials aren’t listed, previous versions used a polycarbonate top, nylon bottom, and POM stem. The silence comes from rubber pads on the stem that reduce noise during keystrokes. These switches have a 67g gold-plated spring and are priced around 7.99 euros per switch, with occasional discounts.
Smoothness
In silent switches like the Tacit V2s, smoothness is different from other tactile switches. The rubber pads create a sense of friction, but it’s not the “scratchy” feel of poorly made switches. Instead, it’s more of a subtle resistance, like rubber catching on the housing. It’s not the smoothest experience, but it’s not unpleasant either.
Typing Feel
The Tacit V2s provide a prominent, sharp tactile bump with almost no pre-travel. After the bump, the switch drops smoothly into a cushioned bottom-out thanks to the rubber pads. This makes for a more comfortable typing experience, as it softens the impact and reduces harshness. The result feels a bit like a rubber dome switch—not “mushy,” but different from non-silenced tactile switches.
Comparisons
In the niche market for silent switches, the Tacit V2s compete with the ZealPC Zilents, Gazzew U4S, and Durock Silent Shrimps.
- Zilents: Strong tactile bump, but plagued by spring and leaf ping, which ruins the silence they’re supposed to offer. They’re also pricey.
- U4S: Provide a more rounded tactile feel and are more relaxed to type on. They’re quieter than the Tacit V2s and offer a very satisfying overall experience.
- Silent Shrimps: Made by the same manufacturer as the Tacit V2s, they are nearly identical aside from the housing. Availability is the biggest difference, as Shrimps are easier to find outside of the EU.
Sound
As a silent switch, the Tacit V2s excel in reducing noise. While not completely silent, they are quieter than most switches, especially compared to the Zilents. The bottom-out is a muted thud, and the return is similarly dull. While they’re not as silent as the U4S, they do the job well.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Tacit V2s is impressive. Unlike older JWK molds, these have tight housings and minimal stem wobble. There’s also little to no spring or leaf ping, which can ruin silent switches. The only downside is a faint metallic ping from some springs in the batch, but overall, the switches feel solid.
Servicing
I tested lubing the Tacit V2s with 203G0 and 105 on the springs. The result was mixed: while the switches became smoother, the rubber pads made the bottom-out and snapback feel “wet” or squishy. This isn’t ideal, but a dry lube or very minimal application might yield better results. I also tried switch films, but they didn’t significantly change the already tight housing.
Conclusion
The Tacit V2s offer a solid package for those looking for a silent tactile switch, with the main drawback being availability. While they provide a unique, cushioned bottom-out and strong tactile bump, they face stiff competition from the more readily available Durock Silent Shrimps. If you’re in the EU or want a clear switch for an RGB board, the Tacit V2s are a good option. Otherwise, the Shrimps or U4S may be better alternatives.
Credit: Keebwerk