HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Taro. The Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, characterized by its bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feel that transforms each keystroke into a delightful experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a linear switch's smoothness and response. In contrast, the Jwick Taro features a more tactile typing experience, combining a cozy aesthetic with a snappy, medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks, appealing to those who enjoy feedback with every keystroke and want a typing sensation that is engaging yet comfortable. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you favor the fluidity of linear movement or the satisfying feedback of tactile response. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
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 Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Taro exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Taro features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer material that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance of polycarbonate not only enhance the typing experience but also make it particularly suitable for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucence. The disparity in materials ultimately leads to distinctly different auditory sensations between the two switches.
Both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Taro share the same composition in their bottom housings, both crafted from nylon. This commonality means they exhibit similar characteristics in terms of sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing providing that familiar deeper and fuller sound. As the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is fully pressed, users of both switches will experience that signature muffled quality, which may lead to an overall more cohesive sound experience. Consequently, the acoustic results during key presses reflect the shared properties of their nylon bottom housings, despite the contrasting top housings.
When synthesizing the performance of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jwick Taro, it becomes clear that the interaction of different housing materials shapes their unique experiences. While the nylon bottom sections of both switches ensure similar deep sound profiles when bottoming out, the differing top housings dictate the overall auditory outcome when keys are released. In essence, users can anticipate a rounded sound signature when pressing down keys across both switches due to the nylon bottom housing, while the auditory clarity and sharpness will vary upon key release, illustrating how material choice can intricately affect functionality, feel, and aesthetics in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see distinct differences that cater to various preferences among users. The Lotus (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a more moderate option overall. In contrast, the Taro switch does not have a specified actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Therefore, while the Lotus provides a lighter actuation compared to the unknown actuation force of the Taro, the latter's bottom out force is higher, indicating a stronger resistance felt when pressing down completely. Users looking for a lighter typing experience might prefer the Lotus, as it allows for easier key activation. However, for those who enjoy a weightier feel that provides more resistance, the Taro could be more appealing. Thus, while the Lotus is the lighter of the two in terms of actuation, the Taro's higher bottom out force may offer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Lotus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that, for users who prioritize a more responsive feel, the Lotus switch may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, which enables quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Taro switch, with its greater travel distance, might appeal to users who prefer a more deliberate and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker response times, the HMX Lotus is the way to go, whereas if you favor a little more depth in your keystrokes, the Jwick Taro would be a more suitable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright and resonant tone that is particularly engaging, lending a lively character to the typing experience. Contrarily, the Jwick Taro switch offers a more neutral sound profile characterized by acute and crisp clacks. This neutrality makes it versatile, enabling it to adapt well to various environments, whether it be a cozy home office or a bustling workplace. The sound emitted from both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard to which they are attached and the materials of the keycaps used.
When considering their feel, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is notable for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, contributing to a super bouncy sensation that makes each keystroke feel lively and reactive. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch features a buttery smoothness that promotes a fluid typing sensation, combined with a stepped tactile feedback. This means that the Taro provides a mild tactile sensation, reminiscent of having two distinct stages during keystrokes, which may appeal to users who prefer a more nuanced feedback without overwhelming tactility.
Ultimately, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Jwick Taro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, creating unique typing experiences. The Lotus leans into a bright auditory character and a bouncy, hefty feel, while the Taro presents a more adaptable sound and a smooth yet tactile typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feedback, you can choose a switch that best aligns with your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound dynamics. If you appreciate a bouncy and resonant typing experience that feels satisfying with each keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) would be an excellent fit for you. With its medium weight of 62.5 grams, it offers a delightful, feedback-rich feel ideal for both gaming and general typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued, buttery typing experience with clear yet mild tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro would serve you well. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams makes it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing, complemented by its crisp clacks and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and usage—if you need a more lively switch for an energetic setup, go for the Lotus (Heavy); if you seek comfort and tranquility while typing, the Taro is likely your best bet.
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