HMX Blue Topaz vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Jwick Taro. The Blue Topaz linear switch boasts a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze. Its distinctive glittery housing not only catches the eye but also produces a clacky sound signature, providing both visual and auditory delight to users. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. With a comfy subdued color scheme, the Taro switches are perfect for those looking for a neutral and buttery typing experience. In general, the Blue Topaz is ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press keys with a clacky sound, while the Taro is perfect for those who enjoy a medium level of tactility and a buttery typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Blue Topaz and Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, given its translucency. However, despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, they may still have slight variations in sound due to other factors such as stem design or bottom housing.
In contrast, the Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing, so in this aspect, both switches will offer a similar typing experience with regards to sound profile.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on switch performance, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housing. This means that the bottom housing will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even if the Blue Topaz and Jwick Taro share the same housing materials, they may still offer slightly different tactile experiences based on how the materials interact with other components of the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch differ significantly. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Taro has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Blue Topaz would be the better option, while the Taro would be more suitable for individuals seeking a heavier typing feel. It's essential to consider weight when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance during extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz 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, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Blue Topaz is slightly longer than the Taro, but the difference is minimal. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of depth when pressed, with the Blue Topaz offering just a tad more travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a slightly longer travel distance or a slightly faster response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is well-known for its clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy noises with each keystroke. This auditory experience is complemented by the distinctive glitter housing that catches the eye. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate level of noise that is suitable for various settings and preferences. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Blue Topaz leaning towards a more pronounced and crisp sound while the Taro provides a more subdued and versatile option.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and requiring light actuation force for effortless typing. This results in a comfortable and responsive typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is described as stepped, meaning that it has a two-stage tactile feel with slight pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Blue Topaz focusing on light and easy typing while the Taro provides a more nuanced and fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Topaz stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, providing a lightweight and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a neutral sound profile with a buttery and stepped tactile feel, catering to those who prefer a more subdued and versatile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lightweight feel and clacky sound, the Blue Topaz would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a cozy typing experience featuring snappy tactility and crisp clacks, the Taro switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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