Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Box Royal is celebrated for its unparalleled tactility, providing a sharp and aggressive typing experience that is well-suited for those who crave a tactile response. On the other hand, the Jammy switch offers a softer and more muted typing experience, with a glittery nylon housing adding a touch of flair. While the Box Royal is known for its high-pitched sound profile, the Jammy switch remains quiet and satisfying. 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
70g
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
Nylon
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 Box Royal and the HMX Jammy are both made of nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches using the same housing material for the top and bottom, users can expect similar sound characteristics and typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing a key and when releasing it.
While the Box Royal and the HMX Jammy share the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom, the qualities each housing brings to the switch may be distributed differently. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distribution of qualities can result in subtle differences in sound and tactile feedback between the two switches, even though they both use nylon as the housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. Both the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Jammy utilize nylon housing, which provides a deep and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. Whether it's the bottom-out sound or the sound when releasing a key, the housing material influences the overall typing experience. Despite any differences in housing distribution, users can expect a similar sound profile and tactile feedback from switches using the same nylon material for both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is clear that the Box Royal is lighter in both aspects. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, and a bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Jammy's 63 grams. The Box Royal is a better option for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Jammy provides a slightly heavier feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the HMX Jammy linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for rapid inputs. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with longer travel distances for a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Jammy will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Royal 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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This gives it a more distinct and noticeable auditory feedback compared to other switches. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound profile is not specifically mentioned, so it would likely offer a more muffled and subtle sound experience. In terms of feel, the Box Royal is described as having a sharp tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent with each key press. This results in a more intense and satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response. Conversely, the Jammy linear switch's feel is not detailed, but it is mentioned to provide a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, suggesting a smoother and more consistent keypress without a pronounced tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best suited for users who prefer a highly tactile and sharp typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, while the HMX Jammy linear switch is ideal for those seeking a more muted and subtle typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. It's important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps when selecting a switch to ensure that you achieve your desired typing experience. Ultimately, while the two switches vary in their subjective qualities, users can expect a high level of performance and satisfaction from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and HMX Jammy linear switches, it all comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a nearly aggressive tactility with a sharp, binary feel and a higher pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal switches are the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more muted typing experience with a glittery nylon housing and a medium-weight feel, then the Jammy switches are the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize sharp tactility and a higher pitched sound (Box Royal) or a more muted feel and satisfying typing experience (Jammy).
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