Jwick Taro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Jwick Taro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer fascinating insights into tactile and linear experiences. The Taro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its cozy subdued color scheme and a typing experience that combines snappy tactility with acute, crisp clacks; it's perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) presents itself as a linear switch, emphasizing a smooth keystroke with a heavier feel, crafted from a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that offers a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched sound. While the Taro appeals to typists who appreciate a tactile sensation and responsive sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) attracts users seeking a seamless, uninterrupted flow of motion without the distraction of tactile bumps. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jwick Taro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit stark differences in their contributions to sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Taro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound signature. This characteristic makes the Taro an ideal choice for users who prefer a more precise auditory feedback during typing. The translucence of polycarbonate also enhances its suitability for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing, creating an appealing visual effect. In direct contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and thus absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material choice results in a typing experience that's more muted and round, appealing to those who prefer a softer, more cushioned sound.
Both the Jwick Taro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch designs utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which comprises a significant similarity between the two. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deep, full-bodied sound regardless of the switch design. The sound absorption properties of nylon ensure that the bottom housing facilitates a more subdued bottom-out experience. This shared use of nylon for the bottom housing can lead to a comparable tactile and auditory feel when bottoming out, creating a sense of consistency in the user experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Taro and the Xinhai (Heavy) shape the overall sound profiles and user experiences. The sharpness of the Taro’s polycarbonate top contrasts with the Xinhai’s nylon top, leading to distinct auditory characteristics when releasing a key. However, since both switches incorporate nylon at the bottom, users can expect a certain level of uniformity in the deeper sound profile during the bottoming out phase. Therefore, while the top housing influences the release and resonance greatly, both switches share enough commonality in their bottom housing to produce similar results in certain aspects of the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taro's actuation force is unknown, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, which could lead to a lighter typing experience for users. However, the bottom out force for the Taro is 67 grams, which is heavier than the Xinhai's 62.5 grams. This indicates that while the Taro offers a substantial feel when bottomed out, it may not provide the same tactile feedback or ease of pressing down compared to the Xinhai (Heavy). Therefore, for users who prioritize lighter keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Xinhai would be the more suitable choice, while those who favor a stronger push feel at the bottom might prefer the Taro. Overall, the Xinhai is the lighter switch in terms of actuation force, while the Taro has a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jwick Taro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Taro offers a deeper press compared to the Xinhai, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a hearty depth when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and individuals who favor faster response times and a more abrupt feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Taro being suited for those who enjoy a longer travel distance while the Xinhai is ideal for users seeking a more responsive experience.
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 Xinhai (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 Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 considering the sound profile of these switches, the Jwick Taro tactile switch produces acute and crisp clacks that resonate clearly during use. This characteristic contributes to a somewhat lively auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is crafted with a focus on softer acoustics, utilizing a PA12 top housing to achieve a more subtle sound profile. The POM stem enhances this effect by providing a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Overall, while both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, the Taro leans towards a more vibrant sound, while the Xinhai (Heavy) exemplifies a harmonious and refined tone.
In terms of feel, the Taro switches offer a unique typing experience characterized by a blend of buttery smoothness and a stepped tactile feedback. The buttery texture ensures that each keystroke feels fluid and effortless, while the stepped tactile design allows for a medium-level tactility, giving users a satisfying engagement without overwhelming feedback. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch has its unique attributes that are currently unknown; hence, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feel. However, it's worth noting that the Taro's tactile response provides a distinct typing sensation that many users might find appealing for long periods of typing.
In conclusion, the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences for users. The Taro offers an engaging sound with its crisp clacks and a comfortable butter-smooth feel with a mild tactile bump. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes soft acoustics and precision, though specifics about its tactile feedback remain unknown. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and your choice will likely depend on whether you prioritize auditory vibrancy or a more subdued typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile bump and a crisp auditory feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Taro's blend of snappy tactility and medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams may be more to your liking. It offers a buttery and stepped feel, making it particularly suited for both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a clear tactile response. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and somewhat softer typing experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5 grams bottom-out force and a unique construction delivering a refined acoustic profile could be your ideal choice. Its heavier actuation might also appeal to those who require the extra resistance to prevent accidental keystrokes. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll use your keyboard; the Taro is a versatile option for any work or leisure environment, while the Xinhai (Heavy) might be more appealing for those who prioritize a refined acoustic experience with a linear feel.
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