Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches significantly impacts the typing experience, making it crucial to find the right one for your needs. The Keygeek Briny, renowned for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a pleasing auditory response while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy features softer and glittery nylon housings, offering medium-weight performance that strikes a harmonious balance between muted acoustics and a deeply satisfying tactile feel. While both switches fall under the linear category and provide smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, the Briny caters to users who enjoy a clear, resonant sound, while the Jammy appeals to those searching for a quieter yet gratifying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jammy, it is evident that both feature nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material in the mechanical keyboard community, and its inherent properties lead to a deeper and richer sound profile when typing. This is primarily due to nylon's relatively softer composition, which enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both the Briny and the Jammy will produce a similar auditory experience, characterized by a duller and more rounded sound, enhancing the overall typing ambiance for users of both keyboards.
Despite using the same nylon material for their housings, both keyboards may offer distinct tactile experiences and acoustic responses based on the design and construction of the switches. While the sound profile produced when pressing down on the keys will be informed by the bottom housing during bottom-out, the top housing impacts the sound produced upon releasing a key. Therefore, even if both keyboards utilize the same nylon housing, subtle differences in switch design or feel could arise, influencing how users perceive the transition between pressing and releasing keys. This design aspect highlights that while the materials are identical, the interaction of the switch mechanics themselves contributes to unique individual experiences.
Ultimately, since both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jammy utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect comparable sound profiles and typing experiences. The emphasis on nylon as a softer plastic ensures that both keyboards deliver a deeper, fuller sound, benefiting from sound absorption characteristics. Thus, regardless of the nuanced differences in feel or tactile feedback that may arise from their switch mechanics, the fundamental sonic qualities that users enjoy will remain similar, maintaining the classic nylon aesthetic that appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Jammy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This makes the Briny the lighter switch, which could be more desirable for users seeking prolonged typing comfort during long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jammy, with its higher force requirements, may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push for their typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer medium force characteristics, the Briny allows for a lighter touch compared to the heavier feel of the Jammy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, the Briny offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jammy has a slightly longer distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Briny the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times due to the reduced distance required to activate the switch. On the other hand, the Jammy’s 3.7 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches may depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This creates a neutral auditory feedback that’s neither overly loud nor excessively quiet, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted sound, attributed to its softer nylon housings. This feature results in a typing experience that feels deeply satisfying while reducing noise levels, which can be beneficial if you prefer a quieter workspace. However, it’s important to consider that the sound signature of each switch is also influenced by other elements, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which means that both switches could potentially produce varied auditory results depending on your setup.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Briny switch is designed to provide a smooth linear experience that promotes fluid keystrokes, giving users a sense of seamless movement without any tactile bump. This can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming. Conversely, the HMX Jammy switch is characterized by its medium weight, offering a balance that many find satisfying and comfortable. The smoothness of the Jammy, combined with its softer materials, may give it a unique tactile sensation that feels plush during typing sessions. Both switches are designed for linear performance, but the differing material compositions lead to notable distinctions in the overall feel during usage.
In summary, the Keygeek Briny and HMX Jammy linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences, with the Briny focusing on a well-balanced sound profile and smooth keystrokes, while the Jammy emphasizes a muted acoustic output coupled with a satisfying medium weight feel. Both switches offer their own unique appeals, making them excellent choices depending on your specific preferences. If you value a more serene typing environment, the Jammy may be the better fit, whereas the Briny could serve well in a variety of settings with its balanced sound. Ultimately, your choice may also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination, which will further define the qualities of either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it’s important to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you want to achieve. If you favor a balanced sound profile and a responsive yet controlled keypress, the Briny would be an excellent choice, particularly for a versatile typing experience that works well for both gaming and typing. Its slightly lower bottom-out force of 60 grams may also provide a more comfortable experience if you prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you are after a softer, more muted response with a satisfying tactile sensation, the Jammy's glittery nylon housing offers a unique experience that may be more appealing to you. The Jammy’s 63 grams of bottom-out force may feel more substantial, which can be advantageous if you enjoy a firmer keypress. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your own priorities regarding sound, feel, and weight; whether you lean towards the Briny's balanced characteristics or the Jammy's cushioned comfort will shape your typing journey.
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