Huano Acacia vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choices can significantly influence your typing experience. The Huano Acacia switches stand out for their medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke right out of the box. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience and minimal resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switches are characterized by their softer, glittery nylon housings, which offer a medium-weight typing experience that feels both muted and deeply satisfying. These qualities cater well to users who enjoy a quieter, more plush feel while typing or gaming. Both switches have their unique benefits, making the choice ultimately tied to personal preference and typing style. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HMX Jammy switches illustrate a notable contrast in sound profiles due to their different top housing materials. The Acacia switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This material's hardness allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Jammy employs a nylon top housing, a time-honored material in switch construction that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, creating a duller, rounder tone that is distinct from the clarity provided by polycarbonate. Thus, while the Acacia's sound profile is sharp and articulate, the Jammy's is muted and rich, showcasing how differing materials can influence user experience.
However, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Jammy share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This choice means that, when pressed, users will experience a similar depth and fullness in sound regardless of the switch type, due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing, being the part that makes contact with the keyboard's base during a key press, plays a crucial role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the Acacia's and Jammy's nylon bottom housings ensure that both switch types maintain a cohesive and balanced sound signature upon bottoming out, pairing well with the distinct qualities each top housing material provides.
To summarize, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials of the Huano Acacia and HMX Jammy results in unique yet complementary sound profiles. While the Acacia's polycarbonate top produces a bright and clear sound, the matching nylon bottom provides a fuller acoustic experience upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Jammy's nylon top mellows the sound, supported again by the nylon bottom housing that promotes that deeper tone. As such, users looking for a specific auditory experience can choose based on their preference for either precision or richness, while both options still maintain an effective sound profile in practice.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it the lighter option and suitable for extended typing sessions due to its medium-light feel. In contrast, the Jammy requires a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium category and providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Therefore, while users of the Acacia might appreciate its ease of use during long periods, users of the Jammy will likely favor the added resistance for a more tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jammy has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you seek a more responsive switch, the Acacia would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses—an advantage favored by gamers. Conversely, the Jammy, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users prefer for typing or a more tactile experience. Thus, if you're looking for speed, the Acacia might serve you well, whereas those who appreciate deeper key travel might prefer the Jammy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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 Huano Acacia linear switch produces a pleasant and well-balanced acoustics, thanks largely to its factory lubrication that minimizes any undesirable friction noise. This provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for both office and home environments. In contrast, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted sound profile that is slightly softer due to its nylon housing. This results in a sound that is less pronounced but still satisfying, contributing to a typing experience that feels cohesive and calm.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch is known for its medium-light weight, which allows for a comfortable and effortless press during typing sessions. The generous factory lubrication complements this by reducing friction, enhancing the smoothness of the keystroke and minimizing any stem wobble that could detract from the overall experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch, also medium-weight, provides a velvety feel due to its softer and glittery nylon housing, creating a unique, satisfying tactile feedback without being overly harsh on the fingers. This quality makes it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a softer touch while typing.
Overall, both the Huano Acacia and HMX Jammy linear switches present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences while still delivering high-quality performance. The Acacia impresses with its balanced sound and smooth feel, making it a strong choice for traditionalists seeking a reliable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Jammy switch entices those who appreciate a more muted sound and a gentle tactile sensation. Choosing between them largely depends on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, but with similar weight and quality construction, users can expect fulfilling experiences from both switches.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key feel with reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Acacia's medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, paired with exceptional factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, makes it a great choice for effortless typing. It's ideal for those who value a smooth and responsive experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier key feel and prioritize a more muted yet satisfying auditory response, the Jammy with its 63-gram bottom out force is likely to resonate with you. The softer nylon housings provide a unique tactile sensation, which could enhance your overall experience, particularly if you enjoy a bit of plushness in your keystrokes. Additionally, consider your noise preferences; if you seek a quieter environment, the muted sound profile of the Jammy can be beneficial. In contrast, the Acacia might appeal to you if you enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Ultimately, reflect on your typing habits and preferences to determine which switch aligns better with what you seek in a mechanical keyboard experience.
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