HMX Lucky vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Taro both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Lucky, characterized by its softer nylon housing, provides a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many users find deeply satisfying. Its clacky, bouncy, and silky feel makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a smooth yet responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches deliver a cozy typing experience with their medium-level tactility and acute, crisp sound, making them an excellent option for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing. While the Taro switches stand out with their buttery, stepped characteristics, the Lucky ensures a more polished touch that many find enjoyable. Each switch has its advantages depending on your typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Taro, notable differences emerge that heavily influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Lucky features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer texture. This material naturally absorbs sound, producing a duller and rounder acoustic character. Conversely, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which excels in delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material enhances sound resonance, resulting in a clearer auditory feedback that can be especially advantageous for users who seek a more distinct keystroke experience. The choice of housing material thus distinctly delineates how the two switches project sound when typing, with the Lucky embracing warmth and depth, while the Taro favors brightness and clarity.
On the bottom housing front, both the Lucky and Taro share a commonality, each using nylon as its material. This consistency leads to a notable similarity in the way sound is absorbed, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile from this aspect of their designs. The softer nature of nylon dampens the acoustics, thereby influencing the bottom-out feel and subsequent sound during key presses. Even though the top housings diverge in terms of their materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches evoke a sense of cohesion in sound and tactile sensation when the key bottoms out. Users of both switches can expect a similar auditory outcome at that moment, characterized by richness and fullness.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the HMX Lucky and the Jwick Taro creates distinct yet complementary sound profiles due to the varying contributions of the top and bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches guarantees that users will experience that characteristic depth and warmth in their typing sound, while the contrasting top housings allow for individual expression through sound. For those who prioritize RGB lighting, the Taro’s translucent polycarbonate top can enhance the aesthetics of their setup, showcasing individual preferences while still benefiting from that rich nylon sound isolation. By understanding how these materials interact, users can make informed decisions based on their auditory and tactile preferences in typing environments.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lucky switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Taro switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing down. This medium-heavy resistance may appeal to users seeking a stronger tactile experience. As a result, the Lucky switch is more suitable for users who favor lighter switches for extended use, whereas the Taro would cater to those who appreciate the feedback and sturdiness of heavier forces. The differences in bottom out forces further reinforce their distinct characteristics, with the Taro requiring more effort to fully depress compared to the lighter Lucky switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Lucky has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taro measures at 3.7 mm. The difference in travel distances is subtle, with the Lucky offering a slightly deeper key press that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Taro's shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers. As shorter travel distances become increasingly popular for their rapid actuation, the Taro provides an edge for responsiveness, while the Lucky offers a more traditional keystroke experience. Thus, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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 Lucky linear switch produces a distinct clackiness that is characterized by its sharp, snappy audio feedback. This contributes to a typing experience that is both bright and aggressive, allowing every keystroke to resonate with purposeful clarity. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch, while also providing auditory feedback, focuses on a more subdued yet acute sound profile. Users describe the Taro as generating crisp clacks, which, while not as pronounced as the Lucky's, still delivers an engaging auditory experience. Both sounds can be affected by factors such as keyboard design and keycap materials, yet the inherent acoustics of each switch distinctly influences the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Lucky switch offers a delightful combination of bounciness, silkiness, and polish. The bouncy nature makes each keystroke feel lively, providing a satisfying rebound that enhances the typing rhythm. Additionally, its silky and polished qualities ensure a smooth and refined experience with minimal resistance, giving users the sensation of fluidity across the board. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch presents a tactile experience that leans towards a buttery feel, allowing for seamless, effortless strokes. Coupled with its stepped tactile bump, the Taro provides mild tactile feedback that allows users to experience a gentle differentiation in key travel without being overly pronounced.
In conclusion, both the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lucky stands out with its clacky sound and versatile tactile sensations, perfect for those who enjoy an energetic typing experience. Meanwhile, the Taro provides a more nuanced tactile feedback with crisp audio, appealing to users who favor a cozy and controlled typing vibe. Ultimately, while their qualities may differ, both switches present unique attributes that can offer satisfying results according to individual typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and usage scenario. If you’re looking for a lightweight switch that offers a smooth, bouncy, and polished feel, the Lucky is the way to go, particularly if you value a clacky sound profile and enjoy fast typing or gaming. The light actuation force of 43 grams makes it easy to type for extended periods without finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial tactile response and enjoy a cozy, buttery typing experience, the Taro switch—with its medium-heavy 67 grams actuation force—will cater to your needs. The snappy tactile feedback and the crisp clacks are particularly satisfying for typing and provide a great balance for both typing tasks and gaming. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness with the Lucky or tactility and sturdiness with the Taro to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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