HMX Cheese vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Jwick Taro offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The HMX Cheese excels in providing an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light linear switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro stands out for its cozy typing experience, featuring a snappy, medium level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. Categorized as neutral, buttery, and stepped, the Taro switches offer a different feel compared to the Cheese. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Taro differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Nylon top housing of the Cheese produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic makeup that enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials are commonly used in switch housings, they yield distinct auditory experiences for users.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both switches features Nylon material, offering a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in housing material between the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Taro contributes to a shared tactile response when typing, as the softer nature of Nylon absorbs sound to create a rounded typing experience. The bottom housings of both switches play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, ensuring a consistent typing experience across different switches despite variations in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the HMX Cheese and the Jwick Taro directly influences the sound and feel of typing. The contrasting qualities of Nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings of these switches lead to distinct sound profiles, with Nylon producing a deeper and fuller tone compared to the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate. However, the shared use of Nylon in the bottom housings of both switches ensures a consistent tactile response, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The actuation force of the Taro is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare to the Cheese in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cheese more suitable for extended typing sessions, while those who like a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the Taro for a heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of 3.7 mm on the Jwick Taro tactile switch. In this case, the Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Taro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for fast response times, especially among gamers. However, some users may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Taro for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $4.29.
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.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch provides a distinct clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirements, suitable for various typing scenarios. Depending on your preference, the Cheese switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback, while the Taro switch caters to individuals looking for a balanced sound experience that is not too loud or too soft.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing sensation, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch offers a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is uniform and comforting. Additionally, the Taro switch is described as having a stepped tactile feedback, offering a mild bump throughout the keystroke that adds a layer of tactile satisfaction without being overwhelming. Depending on your preference, the Cheese switch may be preferable for those seeking a consistently smooth typing experience, while the Taro switch appeals to individuals looking for a nuanced tactile feedback that enhances the typing process.
Taking all available information into consideration, it is clear that both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a distinct and satisfying sound profile with its ultra-light design, the Taro switch stands out for its cozy and comfortable typing experience with a balanced tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard setup. Regardless of your decision, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience that is sure to elevate your keyboarding skills.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch with its 46-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile feedback and a snappy typing experience with medium-level tactility, the Taro switch with its 67-gram bottom out force could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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