HMX Macchiato vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Macchiato and the Jwick Taro can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is a linear switch celebrated for its silky smooth operation and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes and a vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Taro offers a tactile experience characterized by a medium level of tactility, combining a delightful, snappy feel with acute and crisp clacks that provide satisfying confirmation with each keystroke. This switch appeals to typists who enjoy a more engaging feedback without pronounced resistance. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: the Macchiato is perfect for those who crave a smooth and rapid typing flow, while the Taro excels for users seeking sensory feedback in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Macchiato and the Jwick Taro, a distinct difference arises in their top housing materials, with the Macchiato utilizing nylon and the Taro employing polycarbonate. The choice of nylon in the Macchiato’s top housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, as this softer plastic absorbs sound, leading to a more subdued auditory experience. This characteristic makes the Macchiato more suited for those who prefer a rounded sound when typing, creating a more muted ambiance that many find appealing for prolonged use. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is resonant and clear due to the material's rigidity. This divergence not only reflects the acoustic experience each switch provides but also illustrates how housing materials can influence user preferences in tactile feedback and auditory response.
Both switches, however, share similarity in their bottom housing compositions, as they both utilize nylon material. This commonity means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect a consistent sound profile at the bottom-out phase for both the Macchiato and Taro. The nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a deeper and fuller auditory response upon bottoming out, contributing to a similar acoustic characteristic when keys are pressed down. Since the bottom housing exerts a significant impact on the typing feel and sound, both switches will maintain a level of acoustic consistency owing to their shared nylon material at the base.
In essence, the differing top housing materials of the Macchiato and Taro result in distinct sound profiles, showcasing both switches' unique tonal qualities. However, with identical nylon bottom housings, the deeper and fuller sound characteristic is preserved across both models. Therefore, while users may experience contrasting auditory feedback when typing down, the bottom-out sound remains cohesive, highlighting how the choice of materials can effectively shape user experience while allowing for some similarities in performance metrics. This balance between differing top materials and consistent bottom materials provides a unique opportunity for keyboard enthusiasts to curate their typing experience according to their preferences.
Weight
The HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Macchiato features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions without taxing their fingers excessively. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference indicates that while the Taro may provide a more substantial feel at bottoming out, it may also require more effort for actuation, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Macchiato is the lighter option, suitable for users looking for comfort and ease, whereas the Taro caters to those who want a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Macchiato has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Macchiato offers a more substantial depth, which some users may prefer for a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro’s shorter distance may appeal to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, making it more suited for fast-paced tasks. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference—those who enjoy a hearty depth may lean towards the HMX Macchiato, while those seeking a snappier feel might opt for the Jwick Taro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 Macchiato linear switch delivers a bright audio profile that enhances the typing experience with a lively resonance, making it appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch features an acute and crisp clack, providing a different auditory engagement that many find comforting. Notably, while the Macchiato offers a more pronounced sound, the Taro's neutral sound profile balances a moderate actuation force with an appealing acoustic response, making both suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting.
Regarding feel, the Macchiato linear switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, promoting a fluid keystroke that emphasizes effortless typing. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch offers a unique typing sensation with a snappy medium-level of tactility, appealing to users who appreciate subtle feedback during their presses. The Taro also features a stepped feel, imparting a two-stage experience that allows users to sense the actuation point without a significant bump, which contrasts with the pure smoothness of the Macchiato and caters to those who prefer a tactile response.
In summary, the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch cater to different preferences, with the Macchiato emphasizing a bright and silky smooth experience and the Taro offering a tactile variety that combines snappiness with a refined auditory profile. Both switches reflect the nuanced experience that can be found in mechanical keyboards, allowing for personal customization in sound and feel, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction based on individual typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and usage context. If you prefer a light, smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato is ideal for you. It's perfect for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a quieter and more fluid feel under your fingers. This makes it a great choice for both casual use and focused work environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Taro is the way to go. Its snappy responsiveness and crisp clacks are satisfying for those who value a tactile typing experience, making it excellent for both gaming and typing tasks where you need to feel each keystroke. In conclusion, your choice will hinge on whether you value a lighter, smoother action or a more tactile, defined feedback while typing.
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