HMX Jelly vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, and two notable contenders are the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Taro. The HMX Jelly switches are celebrated for their low-pitched, deep thocky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g, they offer a super smooth keystroke experience, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a linear switch that allows for rapid typing with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches appeal to users looking for a tactile experience with their medium-level tactility and crisp, acute clacks. Their unique sound and feel, complemented by a neutral and buttery design, create a comfortable and cozy typing experience that many find appealing. While the Jelly emphasizes smoothness and sound, the Taro focuses on tactile feedback and auditory crispness. 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
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
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Taro, a notable contrast can be seen in the top housing. The Jelly utilizes nylon, a material known for its softer characteristics, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality makes it particularly effective at sound absorption, creating a round and muted auditory experience which many users find pleasing for quieter typing environments. Conversely, the Taro features polycarbonate in its top housing, a stiffer material that generates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffness allows sound waves to travel more freely, resulting in a crisper and higher-pitched auditory response. If aesthetic value is an important factor, the Jelly’s nylon top might lack the translucency of the Taro's polycarbonate, which enhances RGB lighting effects, making the Taro visually striking in illuminated setups.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which leads to a significant convergence in sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing produces a deeper, fuller sound profile that meshes well with the typist's keystroke experience, regardless of the switch's top housing material. This shared feature between the HMX Jelly and Jwick Taro ensures that users will still experience the saturating depths created by nylon's sound absorption qualities when bottoming out each switch. While the top housing materials differ, reinforcing each switch's unique auditory signature, both switches will ultimately exhibit similarities in the bottom housing, contributing to the overall tactile feel of the keystrokes.
In essence, the differing top housings between the HMX Jelly and Jwick Taro highlight the impact of material choice on sound profiles, with nylon fostering a muffled auditory sensation and polycarbonate facilitating a clearer, brighter response. However, both switches benefit from their identical nylon bottom housings, which unify their acoustic features during key presses, especially during bottoming out. This interplay of housing materials means that while users will revel in the tactile variation from the tops, they will be anchored by the shared sound profile present in the bottoms, ensuring that a harmonious typing experience can still be achieved across both models.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, notable differences emerge. The Jelly switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taro switch does not specify an actuation force, but its bottom out force is substantially heavier at 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel during use. This configuration suggests that the Taro switch is better suited for those who enjoy a firm push while typing, delivering a more tactile experience. Thus, while the Jelly is the lighter option overall, the Taro is considered medium-heavy, catering to different user preferences in switch feel and force required for actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taro measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Jelly may be the preferable choice as it provides a more substantial feel. Conversely, the Taro, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal to those who favor quicker response times, making it ideal for gaming where rapid actions are paramount. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the slight difference allows users to choose based on their preference for either a more profound keystroke or a swift, responsive action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, and thocky sound signature, which creates a rich auditory experience. This sound profile is often quite satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch produces acute and crisp clacks that add a lively dimension to the typing experience. While the Jelly's sound could be considered more subdued and resonant, the Taro's sound is more akin to a neutrally moderated profile that is versatile for various environments, making it approachable for both beginners and experienced users.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch excels with its super smooth action, attributed to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, providing a fluid keystroke experience that many users appreciate for fast typing. Conversely, the Taro switch offers a unique combination of tactility with its snappy, medium-level response, supported by a buttery smoothness that enhances overall comfort. The stepped nature of the Taro switch adds another layer of complexity, allowing users to feel the transition in stages during keypresses, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile feedback that is less aggressive.
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Jelly and Jwick Taro switches largely depends on personal preferences for sound and feel. The Jelly offers a deeper and thocky sound paired with a smooth, lightweight feel, appealing to those who prioritize an immersive acoustic experience. In contrast, the Taro brings a lively, sharp sound combined with a tactile and responsive typing sensation that caters to users looking for a more engaging typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tranquility of the Jelly or the lively character of the Taro, both switches can offer satisfying results tailored to individual styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Jelly's 48g bottom-out force and low-pitched thocky sound signature may suit you well, especially for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where comfort and ease of actuation are essential. The Jelly switch's excellent factory lube and lightweight actuation make it ideal for those who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, if you find enjoyment in tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience, the Jwick Taro switch, with its 67g bottom-out force and medium-heavy actuation, is likely your best choice. The snappy tactility and acute sounds of the Taro can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it an excellent option for both work and casual use. Ultimately, evaluating your priorities—whether you value smoothness and lightness or tactile feedback and heavier resistance—will guide you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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