HMX Poro vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Poro and Jwick Taro offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Poro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly due to meticulous lubrication. With an ultra-light actuation force, it presents a bouncy and feathery feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize swift and seamless key presses, coupled with a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Jwick Taro, classified as a tactile switch, provides a cozy typing experience characterized by its medium-level tactility and acute, crisp clacks, ensuring that typists can enjoy both a satisfying feedback and a more controlled performance. Ideal for users who appreciate a structured feel while typing, the Taro's buttery and stepped qualities offer a different yet equally engaging experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Poro and the Jwick Taro demonstrate distinct characteristics that can significantly influence the typing experience. The Poro features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material generates a more resonant tone, appealing to those who prefer a brighter auditory feedback while typing. Thus, while the Poro emphasizes a muted warmth with its nylon top, the Taro offers a clear and vibrant sound signature through its polycarbonate construction.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, present a stark similarity as they both employ nylon as the material choice. Given that nylon is a classic switch housing material characterized by its deeper sound absorption, this shared aspect means that both the Poro and Taro will represent a fuller and rounder sound profile at the bottom-out sound and feel. As the bottom housing is crucial in determining the impact of the switch when pressed, users of both switches can expect a consistent experience in this respect. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials leading to divergent sound profiles, the nylon compatibility in the bottom housing brings them together harmoniously.
When examining the overall typographic experience, it will be essential to consider the interplay between the different materials used in these switches. While the different top housing materials offer contrasting sound experiences—the Poro's nylon eliciting a soothing depth and the Taro's polycarbonate providing a lively clarity—both switches' nylon bottom housings work in tandem to enhance the fullness of the typing experience. Consequently, even though the two models might lead to varying auditory responses depending on which key is being released or pressed, they share a fundamental commonality in bottom housing material that ensures an underlying consistency in sound and feel. This interplay between the materials allows users to enjoy distinctive, yet partially unified experiences across both the HMX Poro and Jwick Taro.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics suited for different preferences in typing experience. The Poro features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor quicker key presses and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams but lacks a specified actuation force, which suggests it requires a firmer push compared to the Poro. This medium-heavy resistance provides a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, the Poro is the lighter switch, allowing for a more effortless typing experience, while the Taro caters to users who prefer a heavier, more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how the Poro’s lighter force may benefit long-term use, whereas the Taro’s firmer feel is likely to be preferred by those seeking pronounced feedback during typing.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning that when pressed down, both switches will provide the same distance before reaching the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable feedback and responsiveness when using either switch, ensuring a consistent typing experience. As both switches share the same travel distance, players and typists will likely find their tactile and auditory experiences to be strikingly similar if they choose either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Poro linear switches are known for their lively, clacky profile, which delivers a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. This crisp and bright auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, making it not only functional but enjoyable. In contrast, while the Jwick Taro tactile switches also produce a noteworthy sound, they are associated with acute and crisp clacks, promoting a more nuanced acoustic experience that pairs well with their tactile feedback. Although both switches offer satisfying audible cues during typing, the Poro’s clackiness and the Taro’s crispness suggest a subtle difference in auditory character that users may appreciate based on personal preference and typing style.
In terms of feel, the HMX Poro switches provide a unique experience characterized by their bouncy and creamy nature, allowing for a spring-like response as well as a silky smooth keystroke. The light actuation force of these switches enhances comfort, particularly during lengthy typing sessions. Conversely, the Jwick Taro switches present a slightly different tactile sensation; their medium-level tactility is complemented by a buttery feel, creating a seamless and fluid typing experience. The stepped design of the Taro switches introduces a mild two-stage feel, lending a distinctive feedback that is different from the more uniform response of the Poro. Together, these contrasting tactile attributes lead to varied preferences among users, depending on how much feedback and comfort they desire.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro linear and Jwick Taro tactile switches cater to different typing experiences, primarily distinguished by their sound and feel. While the Poro excels in a lively, clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth tactile feedback, the Taro offers acute crisp sounds alongside a medium-level tactility that is gently stepped. Choosing between the two ultimately hinges on your preferences: if you favor a more buoyant and creamy experience, the Poro may be the switches for you; however, if you appreciate a balanced tactile sensation with a buttery smoothness, the Taro would likely suit your needs. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, each in its unique way.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a light and airy experience with minimal resistance, the Poro's 50-gram bottom-out force and its silky smooth, bouncy feel make it an excellent option for prolonged typing or intense gaming sessions. You will appreciate the clacky sound profile as it adds an element of enjoyment to your keystrokes, making each press feel effortless and lively. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback, the Taro with its medium-heavy 67-gram bottom-out force will offer a satisfying snappiness that enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate a solid feel under their fingers. The buttery and stepped characteristics of the Taro provide a more pronounced tactile sensation, ideal for those who value feedback in their typing rhythm. In essence, go for the Poro if you're looking for a light, smooth, and playful typing experience, while the Taro is your best bet for a more tactile and robust engagement with each keystroke.
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