HMX Jammy vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Jammy, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Jammy is praised for its softer nylon housings that provide a muted yet satisfying typing experience, while the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. The Jammy is categorized as a linear switch, while the Taro falls into the tactile category. Both switches have their unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
57g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While the Jammy's nylon bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall feel and sound upon bottoming out, the Taro's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deep and full sound profile as the Jammy due to their shared material.
In terms of aesthetics, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. This allows for a visually appealing experience when using the switch with lighting effects. Alternatively, the Jammy's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual impact as the polycarbonate material. However, both switches' bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall typing experience, as the material's softness affects the sound and feel when typing on the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Taro comes down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and aesthetic preferences. While the Jammy's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, the Taro's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the Taro's housing allows for a visually appealing RGB lighting experience, while the Jammy may not offer the same level of visual impact. Regardless, both switches excel in providing a unique typing experience based on the materials used in their housing construction.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that the Jammy has a lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Taro which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy has a lighter force of 63 grams while the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Jammy would provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Taro would offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback for users. Despite the similarities in travel distance, the Jammy offers a linear feel while the Taro provides a tactile response, catering to different preferences in typing experience. Whether you choose the Jammy or the Taro, you can expect a comfortable and responsive typing experience with consistent travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, with a softer nylon housing contributing to a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a more acute and crisp clack, offering a snappy and medium-level of tactility. Overall, both switches excel in sound quality, but the Jammy leans towards a quieter and more subdued experience, while the Taro delivers a more pronounced and tactile auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience, with a medium weight that provides a satisfying typing feel. The Jwick Taro tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is also mentioned to have a stepped feel, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is more mild compared to hyper-tactile switches. Both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, with the Jammy focusing on a medium-weight and consistent feel, while the Taro provides a buttery and stepped tactile feedback.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of both switches, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jammy excels in providing a muted and deeply satisfying sound profile with a smooth and consistent feel, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch stands out with its acute and crisp clacks, buttery smooth keystrokes, and stepped tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that are sure to enhance any typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a muted yet satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switches may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a snappy and cozy typing experience that offers a moderate level of tactility, the Taro switches may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one suits your typing style best.
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