The HMX Taro and XCJZ x KTT Ice Orange switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the silent linear breed. They both feature PC top housing, standard stem shape, 3.80 mm total travel, however, they come with different bottom housing (PA66 vs PC), stem material (POM vs POM+TPU), spring (22 mm vs 18 mm), actuation (45 g vs 43 g), bottom-out force (53 g vs 55 g), pre-travel (2 mm vs 1.30 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The HMX Taro is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PA66 bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 53g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Light diffuser, double-shot stem. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XLLAB. Manufactured by HMX. | The XCJZ x KTT Ice Orange is a silent linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and POM+TPU stem (standard shape). It features a 18 mm spring. The 43g actuation occurs at 1.30mm. The 55g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by XCJZ. Manufactured by KTT. |
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| Name | HMX Taro | XCJZ x KTT Ice Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Type | silent linear | silent linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | PA66 | PC |
| Stem material | POM | POM+TPU |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm | 18 mm |
| Actuation | 45 g | 43 g |
| Bottom-out | 53 g | 55 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 1.30 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 3.80 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | XLLAB | XCJZ |
| Manufacturer | HMX | KTT |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the XCJZ x KTT Ice Orange is available at a single shop at the moment, while the HMX Taro can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Taro and XCJZ x KTT Ice Orange switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on HMX Taro switches | Comments on XCJZ x KTT Ice Orange switches |
The Taro silent linear switch is the newest MX style silent linear switch made by HMX. Different from previous HMX silent switches, the Taro switches utilise a double-shot stem, for a better silencing mechanism – SerpentKeys. | Well, we thought we wouldn't see a resurgence of XCJZ, but turns out retirement doesn't last long if you design some of the best silent switches in the world. Using XCJZ's latest moulds to make this silent linear in partnership with KTT, this is the Ice Orange. Smooth, slight scratch silent linear with no mushiness at all. Really pleasant and mid weight unlike a lot of silent linears which lean to the lighter side of the weight spectrum. Nicely done XCJZ and welcome back! – Thocc Exchange. |
