Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile click of the Kailh Box White V2 and the smoothness of the HMX Jammy. The Box White V2, celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and audible click sound, caters to typists who thrive on the engaging auditory and sensory experience that enhances their productivity and typing accuracy. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, offers a muted but deeply satisfying experience for those who prefer a linear feel, ideal for a quieter workspace or extended gaming sessions without distractions. Both switches have distinct traits that suit different preferences—whether you're after the satisfying click of a traditional keyboard or the seamless glide of a linear option, choosing the right switch can dramatically impact your typing or gaming 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
45g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Jammy exhibit significant differences in their top housing materials, which directly influence their sound profiles. The Box White V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer the clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Jammy features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference means that those seeking a more pronounced sound may lean towards the Box White V2, while users desiring a mellow tone might prefer the Jammy.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which creates common ground in their overall acoustic experience. Given that nylon is a classic housing material recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities, both the Box White V2 and the HMX Jammy will deliver a deeper and fuller sound characteristic due to the bottom housing. This consistency in material choice on the bottom allows users to expect a similar feel and destination sound when bottoming out the switches. Consequently, while the top housing distinctly differentiates their sound signatures, the nylon bottom of both switches introduces a shared level of acoustic dampening, leading to a surprising degree of auditory resemblance upon deeper presses.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Jammy are distinct in their top housing compositions—polycarbonate versus nylon—their common use of nylon in the bottom housing harmonizes their overall impact on sound profile during key presses. The acoustic properties of polycarbonate lend a sharpness to the Box White V2 that contrasts with the rounded tones of the nylon-top Jammy. However, the shared characteristics of their nylon bottoms ensure that both switches provide a robust and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with unique auditory nuances that cater to differing preferences. Thus, depending on individual taste for sound and feel, users might gravitate towards one switch over the other, but both will ultimately deliver satisfying performance rooted in their nylon foundations.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the HMX Jammy linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch requires a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, while the Box White V2 is designed for comfort with its lighter forces, the Jammy offers a firmer response for users who enjoy more resistance when typing. Overall, the key difference lies in the weight, with the Box White V2 providing a lighter alternative compared to the heavier HMX Jammy switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jammy extends slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Kailh Box White V2 offers a shorter actuation distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and more rapid key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and substantial key feel, catering to users who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: if you prioritize responsiveness, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better option, whereas if you favor a deeper keypress, the HMX Jammy would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 switch is characterized by its pronounced click sound, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback on each key press. This crisp, tactile click is often favored by typists who enjoy the audible confirmation of their inputs, making it sound lively and engaging. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch leans towards a more subdued sound profile. With its medium weight and muted characteristics, the Jammy offers a typing experience that focuses on a softer sound, which can provide a more peaceful environment, particularly in quieter settings. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used in conjunction with these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 delivers a pronounced tactile bump corresponding to its click, creating a distinct feedback that many typists find satisfying and energizing. It engages the fingers fully during typing, making each keystroke feel deliberate. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch offers a more linear feel with a medium weight, which tends to be smoother and less distracting. This provides a deeply satisfying experience that allows for rapid key presses without the clicky interruptions, catering more to users who prefer a steady, uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming.
In summary, if you're looking for a switch that highlights auditory feedback and tactile precision, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice with its engaging clicky sound and pronounced feel. Conversely, the HMX Jammy switch appeals to those who prefer a quieter, muted experience paired with a smooth, medium-weight feel. Depending on your typing preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying experiences, will ultimately come down to whether you enjoy the clicky sounds and tactile feedback of the Box White V2 or the more subdued, linear feel of the Jammy.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you enjoy a lighter switch that provides a pronounced tactile bump and an audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for anyone who types quickly and prefers a clear, satisfying feedback while typing. This switch is particularly suited for those who might enjoy a more engaging and somewhat nostalgic typing experience reminiscent of classic typewriters. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more subdued and linear feel, the HMX Jammy switch will serve you well. With its 63-gram bottom-out force, it offers a slightly heavier feel, perfect for typists who prefer a smooth keystroke without the noise associated with clicky switches. The muted yet satisfying experience of the Jammy makes it an attractive option for both casual typists and gamers who appreciate consistent, linear responses. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only the tactile and auditory preferences you have but also the specific usage scenarios you anticipate for your keyboard.
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