HMX Gravel vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two compelling options are the HMX Gravel and the Jwick Taro. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and lightweight actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a responsive and effortless typing experience. Keyboard enthusiasts often lean towards this linear switch for its refined feel, which allows for uninterrupted keystrokes ideal for both gaming and fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a tactile experience characterized by a medium-level of tactility and sharp, satisfying clicks, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. The comfortable, subdued aesthetics of the Taro further enhance the typing experience, making it a favorite for those who cherish both functionality and visual appeal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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 HMX Gravel and the Jwick Taro share notable similarities in their choice of housing materials, particularly in their top housings, both made from polycarbonate. This choice contributes to a sound profile that is characterized by sharpness, higher pitches, and clarity, which can enhance the overall typing experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for the production of crisper sounds, leading to a more resonant auditory effect. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in both switches facilitates RGB lighting, creating an aesthetically pleasing and visually dynamic experience that further enhances the enjoyment of using the switches.
In contrast, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, the use of nylon material plays a pivotal role in shaping the acoustic and tactile sensations experienced during use. Both the HMX Gravel and the Jwick Taro employ nylon in their bottom housings, effectively contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the brighter tones generated by the polycarbonate top housing. The softness of nylon not only absorbs sound but also helps to cultivate a duller, rounder sound, ensuring that the bottom-out feel is characterized by a more muted and satisfying feedback. Consequently, both switches harmonize their top and bottom housings to create a balanced auditory experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in the HMX Gravel and the Jwick Taro results in a cohesive sound profile that draws on the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. As both switches use identical materials for both the top and bottom housings, the acoustic characteristics will likely yield similar quality results. The polycarbonate top hones the higher frequencies, while the nylon bottom enriches the experience with lower tones. This clever interplay between the materials ensures that users can enjoy a complete and satisfying typing experience, balancing clarity and resonance with depth and fullness across both switches.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel features a light actuation force of 45 grams, along with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during prolonged use such as work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taro switch does not specify an actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. This design would cater to users who favor a stronger and more resistant typing experience. Thus, the HMX Gravel is the lighter option overall due to its lower forces, while the Jwick Taro is the heavier choice, offering a tactile experience that some users might prefer for its robustness. If the Taro's actuation force were provided, the comparison could reveal further nuances in their tactile engagement when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Gravel the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who favor rapid response times due to its quicker actuation. In contrast, the Taro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer, offering a deeper typing experience. Both switches are designed for different preferences: if you prioritize immediate feedback and responsiveness, the Gravel's shorter distance would be ideal, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced actuation, the Taro would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 Gravel linear switch remains relatively unknown, as its auditory characteristics haven't been explicitly detailed. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch features a neutral sound profile, which translates to a moderate sound level during keystrokes. This balanced auditory quality ensures that the Taro is versatile, suitable for various environments whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and can be used comfortably at home or in a professional setting. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound of any switch can be affected by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps employed.
In terms of feel, the Gravel offers an exceptional smoothness, characterized by an effortless and refined typing experience due to its medium-light actuation force. This allows for a very responsive action, which is especially appealing to those who prioritize a fluid typing sensation. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a unique combination of buttery smoothness and stepped tactility. This means that users will enjoy a seamless keystroke experience alongside a distinct tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced touch while typing.
In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch delivers a luxuriously smooth typing experience, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch stands out with its blend of smoothness and tactile feedback. Sound-wise, the Taro offers a neutral profile that allows it to fit into almost any setting, whereas the Gravel's auditory characteristics are less defined. For those who prefer light actuation forces, both switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, catering to different preferences depending on whether one leans towards linear or tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you value the smoothness of the Gravel or the tactile clarity of the Taro.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the nature of your work or gaming experience. If you prioritize a smoother, lighter touch with an effortless actuation, the Gravel switch is ideal for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for quick keystrokes, making it great for fast-paced typing or gaming where responsiveness is key. The refined typing feel contributes to a quieter experience, perfect for shared spaces or long hours of use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback and a satisfying audible response, the Jwick Taro switch would be the better choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Taro provides a snappier typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy the tactile sensation and sound of a keyboard. The acute clacks and buttery smoothness make it a joy for both typing and casual gameplay, giving you a comforting feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—smoothness and lightness versus tactile feedback and audibility—to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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