HMX Hibiscus vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and the Jwick Taro each offer distinct advantages that cater to differing typing preferences. The Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it perfect for those who value effortless key presses and a satisfyingly clacky, poppy sound signature. This linear switch excels in delivering an exhilarating and pristine tactile interaction, appealing particularly to gamers and typists seeking speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, with its cozy subdued color scheme, provides a different charm. It features a snappy medium-level tactility, coupled with acute and crisp clacks, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback in their typing without being overly jarring. While both switches enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways—one through unmatched smoothness and the other through engaging tactile responses—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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
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 Hibiscus and the Jwick Taro switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which directly influence the auditory experience when typing. The Hibiscus uses a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material provides a warmer typing experience, where each keystroke evokes a pleasant, muted resonance. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more piercing sound with a crisper quality. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate does not absorb sound as effectively as nylon, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Thus, while both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, the Hibiscus tends to emphasize warmth and richness, whereas the Taro focuses on clarity and sharpness.
On a different note, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics when it comes to bottoming out. This shared material ensures that both the Hibiscus and Taro experience a deeper and fuller sound profile at the base of the keystroke. The nylon bottom housing significantly impacts the auditory feedback when the key is fully pressed down, making the sound more subdued and rounded in both cases. Therefore, while the top housing materials differ and create contrasting sound profiles during key release, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing means that users can enjoy a similar auditory experience during the actuation of the switch across both models.
When considering the overall typing experience with these switches, one must acknowledge the interplay between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings. While the Hibiscus offers a united experience characterized by a softer, more muted sound due to the nylon in both the top and bottom, the Taro presents a split experience: crisper auditory feedback when releasing a key due to the polycarbonate top and a deeper sound upon key actuation from its nylon bottom. This blend of distinct and shared properties not only highlights the differences between the two models but also illustrates how they can yield similar results in certain aspects while still maintaining their unique identities in terms of auditory feedback and feel.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unspecified, but its bottom out force is significantly higher at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that even if the actuation force were to be determined and was lighter, the Taro would still provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Thus, those who enjoy a firmer push should lean towards the Taro, while those who favor a lighter feel would prefer the Hibiscus. Overall, the Hibiscus provides a lighter overall experience compared to the heavier Taro switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This small difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. The Hibiscus, being the shorter of the two, offers a more responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers who prefer rapid key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Taro's longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may find appealing for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Hibiscus would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Taro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus linear switch excels with its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy auditory profile, providing a lively typing experience that adds an engaging dimension to every keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is noted for its acute and crisp clacks, which, while friendly to a broad range of users, offers a more neutral sound that caters to both beginners and seasoned typists. The Hibiscus delivers a more pronounced and dynamic sound experience, while the Taro accommodates a quieter, yet still distinct, auditory feedback that balances its tactile engagement.
Regarding feel, the Hibiscus switch stands out with its ultra-light actuation force, which, combined with its linear design, delivers an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing experience. This attribute is particularly appealing to those who favor effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Taro's tactile aspect brings a snappy sensation, characterized by a medium level of tactility along with a smooth stroke, described as buttery. This makes the Taro feel more deliberate in the typing process while having less of a pronounced bump due to its stepped switch design, which creates a unique two-stage keystroke sensation.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Jwick Taro switches offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Hibiscus is ideal for users seeking a lively auditory experience and ultra-smooth keystrokes, while the Taro presents a cozy, tactile feel without sacrificing the satisfaction of auditory feedback. For those who enjoy a lively typing session, Hibiscus may be the way to go, while Taro will appeal to users who prefer a more subdued sound profile with a tactile underpinning. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience; it simply depends on whether one leans towards a linear or tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth, light keystroke combined with a gratifying sound signature, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force makes it ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys while enjoying a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback experience that provides clear distinction during each keystroke, the Jwick Taro would better suit your needs. With its medium-heavy actuation force and buttery feel, the Taro is designed for those who appreciate a more deliberate typing experience, making it great for work environments where focus and accuracy are essential. By understanding the characteristics of both switches, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard enjoyment.
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