HMX Deep Navy vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Taro present two distinct yet appealing options for users with different preferences. The Deep Navy, a linear switch, is renowned for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and the Ly stem design. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a seamless, distraction-free experience, as it allows for rapid key presses without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a tactile switch experience characterized by a comfortable, subdued color scheme and a medium-level of tactility, producing acute and crisp clacks with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile sensation while typing, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a bit of engagement with their keyboard. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Taro exhibit clear differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experiences they provide. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound waves, producing a duller and rounder tone when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the Taro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for those who seek a more pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, while the Deep Navy offers a warm and subdued sound, the Taro’s use of polycarbonate results in a bright and articulated auditory response.
When considering the bottom housing, both switches opt for nylon, which leads to a shared characteristic in their sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Deep Navy and Taro means that, when pressed, the bottom-out sounds produced will feel similar, evoking the same deep and full auditory experience. This consistency in the bottom housing material reinforces the notion that despite their differences in upper housing, both switches can deliver certain comparable characteristics. The fact that both utilize nylon in their lower housings underscores the importance of this material in crafting an experience that cushions sound and provides user-friendly feedback upon key activation.
In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and the Jwick Taro differ significantly in their top housing materials—nylon vs. polycarbonate—they both utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This results in shared auditory characteristics when bottoming out, offering a familiar tactile experience across both switches. The distinction in sound profiles from the top housings nonetheless leads to diverse auditory outcomes; users will find a broader range of sound experiences depending on their preference for either the softer, fuller tones of nylon or the sharper, crisper notes of polycarbonate. In a practical sense, this means that while both switches can achieve a pleasing bottom-out experience, their overall auditory character will diverge based on the materials chosen for the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to distinct user preferences. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users looking for a less strenuous typing experience for prolonged sessions. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, indicating that it offers a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. As such, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Taro is the heavier choice. This difference in force characteristics means that users aiming for comfort over long durations may gravitate towards the Deep Navy, whereas those seeking a more tactile and pronounced keystroke would likely prefer the Taro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference indicates that the Taro's switch offers a bit more depth, making it potentially more appealing for users who prefer a hearty feel during key presses. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Deep Navy may cater to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as shorter distances are often preferred in gaming for their quick actuation. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Deep Navy is the shorter option, making it more responsive, whereas the Taro is the longer switch, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced click.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Deep Navy switch offers a rich and sharp auditory profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. This full nylon construction contributes to a distinctive resonance that gives feedback and depth with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch presents a more neutral sound profile characterized by acute and crisp clacks. This makes the Taro suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The moderate actuation force requirement of the Taro allows for a balanced auditory experience, making it versatile for users of all types.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, providing an effortless keystroke with every press. This is particularly appealing for users who prioritize a seamless and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch features a unique blend of tactile feedback, offering a snappy, medium-level tactility while incorporating a stepped sensation. This means that with each keystroke, a user will experience a mild distinction in the travel, providing both pre-travel and post-travel feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and engagement.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The HMX Deep Navy excels in offering a smooth, rich acoustic experience, while the Jwick Taro balances a neutral sound with a comfortably tactile feel. Depending on your typing style and environment, either choice can deliver a satisfying experience, whether you enjoy the silky smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback from a more intricate tactile design. Given that sound can vary significantly based on other factors like board and keycap selection, users may find that they can achieve similar overall experiences with thoughtful component choices, regardless of which switch they choose.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and typical use cases. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth, seamless typing experience, then the Deep Navy switch is an excellent option. This linear switch, with its pleasing sound profile and silky feel, is particularly suited for fast-paced typing and gaming, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. In contrast, if you appreciate noticeable feedback when pressing keys and prefer a balanced sound profile that's suitable for various environments, the Taro switch might be the better choice for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force and buttery smooth feel combined with subtle tactile bumps, it's well-suited for both typing and gaming, effectively striking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, consider your own typing style—whether you lean towards the immersive, smooth strokes of the Deep Navy or the tactile satisfaction of the Taro—as both switches cater to different preferences and can significantly shape your overall keyboard experience.
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