HMX Swift vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Swift and Jwick Taro are two distinctive mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Swift is a linear switch that stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch known for its cozy typing experience, featuring a snappy, medium-level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. While the Swift is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy', the Taro is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Swift and the Jwick Taro differ in their choice of housing materials for the top and bottom components. The Swift utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Taro opts for polycarbonate in its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials leads to varying sound characteristics between the two switches, with the Swift offering a duller and rounder sound while the Taro provides a more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom components, both the HMX Swift and the Jwick Taro share the same nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, users can expect to experience a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic absorbing more sound than harder plastics. However, where the Swift distinguishes itself is in its nylon top housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile by creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and more resonant sound, providing a unique audio experience compared to the nylon top housing of the Swift.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. The HMX Swift's use of nylon for both top and bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Jwick Taro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. The differences in sound characteristics between the two switches highlight the importance of housing materials in enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether opting for the deeper sound of nylon in the Swift or the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Taro, users can expect a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Taro has an actuation force of unknown grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Swift more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Taro provides a medium-heavy typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, the difference in weight between the two switches allows users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a quick and responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Taro for faster response times. However, some users may find the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Taro to be too abrupt, in which case the 3.9 mm travel distance of the Swift may provide a more satisfying typing experience with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 Swift linear switch offers a deeper and silkier sound profile compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which produces acute and crisp clacks. The Swift switch provides a unique clacky sound, while the Taro switch has a more neutral sound profile suitable for various typing environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Swift switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, offering gentle resistance and light actuation force for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation with a two-stage tactile feedback. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a unique combination of resistance and tactility, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out for its deep and smooth sound profile, accompanied by an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers crisp clacks and a buttery, stepped typing experience. While these switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the Swift and Taro switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Swift linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a cozy typing experience, snappy tactility, and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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