In your case, I would go 100% traditional to maximize your take-home pay. If you can only afford $7,560 per year in contributions on a $128,000 salary, I assume you're paying down some high interest rate debts. I was at that point a few years ago. When those are gone, you're maxing your 401k and still have extra cash left over, then you can think about paying that tax up front to give yourself flexibility in retirement.