Jwick Taro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing and gaming experience. The Jwick Taro switch is a tactile option, celebrated for its cozy aesthetics and a pleasant typing experience that combines a medium-level tactility with sharp, satisfying acoustics. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of comfort and feedback, making it suitable for both typing tasks and leisurely gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm that lends itself to rapid-fire inputs. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth keystroke provide an invigorating experience, ideal for fast-paced gaming. Each switch brings its unique strengths to the table; while the Taro caters to those who favor tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus shines in scenarios demanding speed and responsiveness. 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and the HMX Vintage Citrus exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which results in distinctive sound profiles. The Taro uses a polycarbonate top housing, lauded for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This characteristic makes it particularly favorable for those who enjoy a more tactile and vibrant auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus opts for a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This rounded quality is a result of nylon's softer composition, which dampens vibrations and absorbs more sound. Consequently, while the Taro delivers clarity and brightness, the Vintage Citrus focuses on delivering a richer, more mellow acoustic experience.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Jwick Taro and the HMX Vintage Citrus share a common material: nylon. This uniformity means both switches will exhibit a similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Since nylon is known for absorbing sound effectively, both switches provide a deeper, fuller typing experience at the point of actuation. This shared bottom housing material ensures that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a consistent quality that promotes a warm sound signature with a muted resonance.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Taro creates a composite unique in its auditory response, characterized by clarity during release and roundness at the point of bottoming out. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its all-nylon construction, delivers a consistently sonorous typing experience, emphasizing depth over sharpness. Users aiming for customized acoustic outcomes can blend these distinct qualities; the sharpness of the Taro’s polycarbonate top can pair favorably with the full-bodied nylon bottom. Therefore, while the two models diverge in their top materials, the shared nylon bottom housing promotes a seamless overlap in sound characteristics, providing a nuanced experience based on personal preference and desired acoustic outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taro has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. As such, the Taro provides a heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus allows for easier actuation, potentially benefiting those looking for a lighter touch during long typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter switch, while the Taro is the heavier option, offering distinct typing experiences based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a notable difference emerges: the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Vintage Citrus is shorter at 3 mm. This makes the Taro the longer option, providing a more pronounced keypress experience that some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker and more responsive keystrokes, often favored by gamers. As shorter travel distances become increasingly popular in modern switches, the decision between the two switches ultimately hinges on personal preferences regarding keypress depth and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 Jwick Taro tactile switch presents a unique auditory experience characterized by acute and crisp clacks. This sound profile contributes to a cozy typing atmosphere, aligning well with the subdued aesthetic of the switch itself. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch delivers a bright and percussive clacky sound, further enhancing its suitability for rapid keyboard inputs. While both switches are distinct in their sound signatures, they share a commonality in producing a lively auditory feedback that can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Taro is noted for its snappy, medium-level tactility and incorporates a buttery smoothness that results in a seamless typing experience. The stepped nature of the switch provides a unique sensation during key presses, allowing typists to feel a slight pre-travel before reaching the tactile bump. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for responsiveness, featuring a snappy and invigorating feel thanks to its low actuation force and specialized spring design. This switch offers pronounced feedback that creates an energizing typing sensation, making it optimal for gamers who prefer quick, reactive keystrokes.
In summary, both the Jwick Taro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches provide distinct benefits, depending on your typing or gaming preferences. With the Taro's cozy sound and tactile feedback suited for relaxed typing sessions, and the Vintage Citrus's bright sound and snappy feel tailored for high-speed gaming, users can find joy in each of them. While they differ in specifics—particularly in feel and sound profiles—both can deliver satisfying typing experiences that are enjoyable and functional.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a cozy, tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the Taro is an excellent choice. Its snappy tactile feedback and acute, crisp clacks make it suitable for typing and everyday work, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for prolonged use. The buttery smoothness and stepped sensation add to a more deliberate typing experience, which can be helpful for writers or those who enjoy a more tactile connection with each keystroke. Conversely, if you are a gamer looking for speed and responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus switch is likely your best bet. With a light bottom-out force and a quick 1mm actuation point, it’s perfect for rapid-fire inputs, offering a clacky sound profile and invigorating feedback that enhances gameplay. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs—whether you prioritize a tactile sensation for typing or a fast, smooth performance for gaming.
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