HMX Taro Linear Switches

The HMX Taro is a linear mechanical switch available in Silent Linear and Ball Linear variants, designed for users who prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience. It suits office environments, shared spaces, or late-night use where noise reduction is important. Enthusiasts looking for a refined feel and controlled sound may also find it appealing.

Feel & Sound

• The Silent Linear variant offers a smooth keystroke with a dampened bottom-out, reducing noise and harshness.
• Its optimized housing and silent mechanism minimize typing sound, making it suitable for quiet settings.
• The switch lacks tactile feedback, so it may be less ideal for users who prefer a noticeable bump or click.

Actuation Characteristics

• It actuates with a moderate force, providing a balance between lightness and resistance.
• Pre-travel and total travel distances are typical for linear switches, supporting consistent keypresses without early or late actuation.
• The bottom-out force is slightly higher than actuation force, contributing to a controlled feel when pressing keys fully.

Build Quality

• Constructed with polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, which influence sound and durability.
• The stem is made from POM or UPE depending on the variant, materials known for smooth sliding and wear resistance.
• The spring is a single-stage extended type, offering a straightforward force curve without tactile bumps.
• Factory lubrication is applied, reducing initial scratchiness and improving smoothness out of the box.

Compatibility

• Designed for 5-pin PCB mount, compatible with most standard mechanical keyboard PCBs.
• Unknown compatibility with hot-swap sockets or LED lighting effects.

Trade-offs

• The silent dampening reduces noise but may slightly soften the bottom-out feel, which some users might find less satisfying.
• As a linear switch, it lacks tactile or auditory feedback, which can reduce typing accuracy for some.
• Unknown if additional modifications like filming or re-lubing significantly improve performance beyond factory lubrication.