Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is renowned for its smooth keystrokes due to its innovative CAP structure, aerodynamically designed stem, and stability-enhancing features. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy is recognized for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a muted yet satisfying typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary may appeal to those seeking snappy, creamy, and polished switches, the Jammy may attract individuals looking for a softer touch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Jammy both have their own distinct qualities when it comes to sound profile. The CAP Anniversary's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, while the Jammy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound profiles based on the top housing material showcases how different plastics can greatly impact the auditory experience of typing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the CAP Anniversary and the Jammy use nylon material. This common choice in housing material means that both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile from the bottom-out action. The relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics allows for a more absorbent and rounded sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience overall. While the top housing may offer different sound characteristics, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and sound profile in this aspect.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the HMX Jammy showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the CAP Anniversary uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, the Jammy opts for nylon for its top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering a consistent deep and full sound profile when it comes to bottom-out actions. The choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, highlighting the importance of material selection in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch show some differences. The CAP Anniversary has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making the CAP Anniversary more responsive to touch. However, the CAP Anniversary has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Jammy has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jammy, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the CAP Anniversary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Jammy switch will have a slightly quicker actuation compared to the CAP Anniversary switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Jammy switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress feeling may lean towards the CAP Anniversary switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its relatively quiet typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch with its softer nylon housing is likely to produce a slightly muted sound that is still satisfying to the user. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is not only determined by the switch itself but also by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is described as having a unique blend of snappy, creamy, and polished qualities. This means that the keystrokes feel responsive, smooth, and refined, providing a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the HMX Jammy linear switch's feel is currently unknown, but with its medium weight and glittery nylon housing, it may offer a typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch seem to offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. While the CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a polished feel, the Jammy may offer a softer and perhaps more muted typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and priorities in sound, feel, and aesthetics, both switches have the potential to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on personal typing tasks or preferences will give a clearer understanding of which switch is most suitable for each user.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize exceptionally smooth keystrokes with a unique CAP structure and stable typing experience, the CAP Anniversary may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and deeply satisfying typing experience with medium-weight switches housed in glittery nylon, the Jammy switch could be the perfect fit. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and both switches offer distinct features to enhance your typing experience.
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