TTC Brother vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer unique experiences for users. The Brother stands out for its lightweight nature, with a breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that's never burdensome. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature will delight clicky switch aficionados, while the articulate tactile bump strikes the perfect balance. On the other hand, the Jammy switches offer a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, with softer and glittery nylon housings. While the Brother is known for being easy-to-press and crunchy, the Jammy provides a smooth and linear typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons why you might choose one over the other; 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
37g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and the HMX Jammy both utilize polycarbonate and nylon materials in their housing, but they serve different purposes in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, perfect for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the Jammy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer composition, providing a more rounded typing feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Brother and the Jammy use nylon material, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when bottoming out keys, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Brother and the HMX Jammy will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for those who prioritize a crisper typing experience, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Jammy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those who prefer a more mellow typing feel. Both switches share the benefits of nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound quality regardless of the top housing material chosen.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HMX Jammy linear switch's higher actuation force of 57 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Brother has an unknown bottom out force, while the Jammy has a bottom out force of 63 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Brother switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Jammy switch for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches provide different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch is 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for quicker response times, particularly gamers. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Jammy linear switch may be preferred due to its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Jammy being slightly longer than the Brother. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for the specific feel and responsiveness desired in a key switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This distinct and satisfying sound is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to please enthusiasts of this switch type. On the other hand, information on the sound of the HMX Jammy linear switch is not provided. Therefore, if sound is an important factor for you, opting for the TTC Brother switch will likely give you the desired clicky sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also helps reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump of the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance between being present enough to provide clear feedback without overpowering the overall keystroke. As for the HMX Jammy linear switch, details regarding its feel are not available. If a gentle resistance and low-impact typing feel are important to you, the TTC Brother switch would be a suitable choice.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy sound with an easy-to-press and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Jammy switch is not provided. For users seeking a clicky switch with a satisfying sound and light actuation force, the TTC Brother switch would be a reliable option. Conversely, if the sound and feel of the Jammy switch align with your preferences, it may also be a suitable choice. Ultimately, selecting the switch that best matches your sound and feel preferences is essential in ensuring an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light, tactile switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a gentle actuation force, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a muted typing experience, the HMX Jammy linear switch may be more to your liking. Consider how you like your keystrokes to sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for a more enjoyable typing experience. Whether you opt for the clicky delight of the Brother or the subtle satisfaction of the Jammy, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
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