Time to pit the EPOMAKER Budgerigar switches against the JWICK Black T1 switches
I’m a keyboard nerd who’s built dozens of boards and swapped switches more times than I can count.
I’ve put these things through the wringer for you (so you don’t have to).
This EPOMAKER Budgerigar vs JWICK Black T1 article breaks down their specs, performance, and whether they’re worth your hard-earned cash.
Stick around to see which one of these switches deserve a spot in your next build!
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Switch Snapshot
EPOMAKER is short for Epoch of Makers. The company is comprised of gamers, software engineers, product designers, and mech keyboard enthusiasts who were inspired to create their own line of keyboards, and thus, switches.
JWK is a very well known company that makes OEM switches for many expensive brands, including Durock and Everglide. JWICK is their direct to consumer line that mainly comprises of high-quality switches at a budget price.
The EPOMAKER Budgerigars and JWICK Black T1’s are two of the most popular budget switches on the market. For a more in-depth look, check out my EPOMAKER Budgerigar Review and my JWICK Black T1 Review.
Specs
| EPOMAKER Budgerigar | JWICK Black T1 | |
| Type | Tactile | Tactile |
| Top Housing | Nylon | Nylon PA66 |
| Bottom Housing | Nylon | Nylon PA66 |
| Stem | POM | POM |
| Spring Weight | 60g (Bottom Out) | 67g (Bottom Out) |
| Total Travel | 3.8mm | Not Specified |
| Lubrication | Pre-Lubricated | Pre-Lubricated |
| Pins | 5-Pin | 5-Pin |
Specs were sourced directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Wanna get into details about mechanical switches? Learn more about them here.
Tempted already? Snag a pack and join the tactile party!
Hands On Breakdown
I tried these switches as they came from the factory using the following setup:
Keyboard: Neo Studio Neo65
- Case: Aluminum
- Plate: FR4
- Mount: Gasket
Check out our keyboard case article, plate article, and gasket mount article for more info.
Keycaps: Wuque Studio BOW
- Material: PBT
- Printing: Double Shot
- Profile: Cherry
Note: Neo Studio Neo65 doesn’t have RGB. RGB was tested on a Keychron Q1.
Learn all about keycaps here.
I tested these switches in both gaming and typing scenarios.
Performance
Preferences:
The switches I’ve used the longest are the Gateron Oil Kings. So, you can consider them the baseline for what my preferences are.
I like to rest my fingers on the keys when I’m typing. This often leads to keys being inadvertently pressed.
I also type like I’m hammering nails. I bottom out pretty hard when I press the keys.
General:
If you noticed from the chart above, it’s very apparent that these two switches differ greatly in weight. This affects the typing experience drastically and each of these switches will cater to a different type of typist.
They both felt very smooth without any hints of scratchiness to me. To be honest, I’m not particularly sensitive to scratchiness.
They both have a very sharp tactile bump, but if I had to choose, I would say the JWICK Black T1’s felt slightly sharper.
The T1’s also felt slightly heavier, both in initial force and bottom out force, which I prefer. However, the Budgerigars still felt great to me.
Their in-depth reviews go more into this feel and also includes force curves. Check them out if you’re into the nerdy details.
Gaming:
I played mostly Sea of Thieves when reviewing the switches.
My pirate’s movements felt great. Everything was snappy and responsive.
If you’re not familiar with how this game plays, it involves a lot of WASD action to aim the cannons and dodge enemy pirates.
I got great feedback from these switches. I normally get absorbed into the game and pay no attention to my keyboard, but with both of these switches, I continuously spammed random buttons just so I could feel the tactile feedback over and over. I loved every key press.
Typing:
Typing felt awesome.
Both switches had the perfect weight for me, but if I were to pick one, I’d lean more towards the T1’s just because I prefer the extra effort it took to press the keys.
I love switches that are heavy enough for me to rest my lazy fingers on the keys without accidentally activating them.
I did still notice a very slight bit of travel as I rested my fingers. They would have been perfect for me if they just had a bit of a higher initial force.
My typing speed was noticeably better with the Budgerigars. They performed faster and more accurately through a longer typing test than the T1’s. Still, both switches felt awesome through the typing tests.
Winner: JWICK Black T1
Sound Profile
Sound Signature:
The Budgerigars thock. They sounded amazing and I never got tired of them.
The T1’s were too clacky for my tastes. Althought, they kinda had a weird chalky sound that was growing on me.
Pinging:
Both switches had subtle pings (T1’s had more). You literally have to bring the switch up to your ear to hear them. You won’t hear any pinging while typing normally.
Microphone Usage:
Neither of the switches had any issues on Discord. In the past, Discord would frequently pick up all the typing sounds. However, it seems the newer mic options in the mic are really good at suppressing keyboard sounds now.
Winner: EPOMAKER Budgerigar
Build Quality
Socket Fit:
These switches felt premium.
They performed like premium switches too.
Both the Budgerigars and T1’s snapped into the keyboard sockets without any wobbling.
Pins:
Both switches use the 5-pin design and seated very securely in the sockets.
Errors:
Neither of the switches experienced any ghost-typing, which meant I didn’t have to reseat any of them during installation.
Lubrication:
I opened a handful of both switches and checked out their lube. The EPOMAKERS looked good, but the lube on the T1’s looked more like oil than grease.
Winner: EPOMAKER Budgerigar
Aesthetics and Compatibility
Colorway:
The switches have the following color scheme:
| EPOMAKER Budgerigar | JWICK Black T1 | |
| Stem | Baby Blue | Teal |
| Top Housing | Cream | Black |
| Bottom Housing | Cream | Black |
The shape of the Budgerigars reminded me of a cheap 80’s car. They seemed so boxy to me. The cream and baby blue color scheme was also kinda meh. White and baby blue would have been better.
The T1’s, on the other hand, looked awesome. Teal and black looks great together. Reminds of me of the San Jose Sharks’ or Jacksonville Jaguars’ uniform.
Keycaps:
Keycaps went on to both switches with no issues. There was no excess wobble nor did any of the switches pop out of their sockets when removing the keycaps.
RGB:
RGB worked as expected on both switches.
Pay attention to which T1 switch you’re shopping for. There is a version that doesn’t allow RGB to shine through.
Winner: Tie
Price and Value
The EPOMAKER Budgerigars cost ~$0.33 per switch. The JWICK Black T1’s cost ~$0.25 per switch. I consider both of these budget pricing.
Value-wise, I think these both of these switches are a total win for enthusiasts. They’re both budget options that feel and sound great.
They both also periodically go on sale. The sales don’t amount to much, though. These switches are already excellent value at their normal price.
Winner: JWICK Black T1
Wrapping Up
Performance: JWICK Black T1
Sound: EPOMAKER Budgerigar
Build Quality: EPOMAKER Budgerigar
Compatibility: Tie
Value: JWICK Black T1
Winner: Tie
There you have it. A quick comparison of the EPOMAKER Budgerigar vs JWICK Black T1 switches.
I’m actually surprised I came to the conclusion that the switches tied. I actually though the Budgerigars would win. To be honest, their value could really be considered a tie ‘cus both switches have great pricing, but the T1’s were just a bit cheaper.
My Pick: JWICK Black T1
This pick was mainly because of the way they felt, since we’ve already established that I didn’t really like the way they sounded.
Both switches were amazing and I have no doubt you’ll enjoy either of them. However, the T1’s just felt a bit better to me because of their sharper tactile bump and heavier spring.
My goal for this sum up was to give you a place to get info on a general comparison of the switches. Be sure to check out my in-depth review for the EPOMAKER Budgerigar and JWICK Black T1 switches if you want more info.
Otherwise, if you’re ready to jump in on these switches, grab a pack today!
How We Tested and Our Methodology
Keyboard Forge is a 100% independent publisher.
We purchased these switches with our own funds and were not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
We conducted numerous hours of hands-on testing with these switches in both gaming and typing environments. Majority of the gaming testing was done playing Sea of Thieves. Majority of the typing testing was done writing articles for Keyboard Forge.
We hope this review helps you get a better understanding of these switches. Feel free to reach out to suggest switches to review in the future.
Thanks for the support!
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