Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Jammy offer unique typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switches provide a softer typing experience with glittery nylon housings, offering a muted yet deeply satisfying feel. While the Box Jades are known for their invigorating high-pitched sound, the Jammies offer a more subtle typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Jammy switches both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Jammy's nylon top housing absorbs more sound to create a rounder tone.
Both the Box Jade and the Jammy switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with stiffer bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics when bottoming out keys, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
When comparing the overall sound profile of the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Jammy switches, it is evident that the choice of housing materials significantly impacts the typing experience. While the Box Jade delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Jammy offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches further enhances the richness of the sound, albeit with a slightly different tone. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience, appealing to different preferences based on the desired sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch both fall within the medium range. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams to fully press down, while the Jammy needs 63 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Box Jade may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Jammy switch.Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience with slightly different weight preferences to cater to individual user preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. The Jammy switch may provide a slightly deeper keystroke compared to the Box Jade, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, so users can expect similar responsiveness from both options.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks that are reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted and satisfying typing experience due to its softer nylon housings. The Jammy switch may not have the same level of clickiness as the Box Jade, but it provides a quieter and more soothing sound profile for those who prefer a less intense typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback. This switch offers a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming yet still provides a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jammy linear switch lacks specific descriptors for its feel, but it is likely to offer a smoother and more consistent typing experience due to its linear design. Those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Box Jade, while those who prefer a smoother keystroke may prefer the Jammy.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for keyboard enthusiasts to choose from. The Box Jade is ideal for those seeking a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Jammy appeals to individuals who prefer a quieter and smoother keystroke. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ultimately ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and deeply satisfying typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Jammy linear switch would be more suitable. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and the Jammy switch will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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