Kailh Berry vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry and HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities to consider. The Kailh Berry is renowned for its hefty typing experience, featuring a springy feel and a chalk-like texture that provides a satisfying tactile feedback. The sound profile of the Berry switch is described as fairly deep, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy stands out for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight design, offering a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. While the Berry switch is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy, the Jammy switch lacks specific categories. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down 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
N/A
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the HMX Jammy switches have some key differences that set them apart. The Berry uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Jammy features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Berry is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the nylon top housing of the Jammy is a classic choice that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Berry and the Jammy utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more muffled and weightier feel compared to switches with harder bottom housings. While the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the HMX Jammy switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a more muted and weighty feel during typing. Despite these differences, the split qualities between the top and bottom housings ensure that users will experience a combination of the unique characteristics each housing material brings to the switch.
Weight
The Kailh Berry and HMX Jammy linear switches have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Jammy switch has a lighter bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium. While the actuation force of the Berry switch is not specified, the Jammy switch has an actuation force of 57 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jammy switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Berry switch offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Berry offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jammy, making it potentially more appealing for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Jammy's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth and actuation feel for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Overall, while the Berry is slightly shorter and the Jammy is slightly longer, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we find that the Berry offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Jammy switch, with its softer nylon housings, offers a more muted and satisfying sound during key presses. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Berry having a deeper tone and the Jammy offering a slightly softer sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is characterized by a textured typing experience, with a chalk-like texture and springy feel when typing. The HMX Jammy linear switch, on the other hand, offers a medium-weight typing experience that is deeply satisfying but lacks specific descriptors for texture. While the Berry switch provides a more tactile and textured feel, the Jammy switch offers a smoother and potentially more consistent typing experience.
Overall, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a deeper and bassy sound with a textured typing experience, while the Jammy switch offers a softer sound and a medium-weight typing feel. Depending on personal preference, you can achieve similar results in typing experience with either switch, each catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavier bottom out force and a springy typing experience, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Berry switch is known for its deep sound profile and textured feel, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more muted typing experience, the HMX Jammy linear switch might be more suitable for you. The Jammy switch has a glittery nylon housing and a medium-weight feel, offering a satisfying and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, when making your decision between the two switches, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to choose the one that best suits your needs.
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