TTC Flame Red vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flame Red and HMX Jammy both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red switch stands out with its captivating visual appeal, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the aesthetics of any backlit RGB keyboard. Its typing experience is characterized by a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switches excel in providing a softer touch, thanks to their glittery nylon housings. This results in a medium-weight feel that is both muted and deeply satisfying, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued sound while still enjoying a comfortable typing experience. While the Flame Red focuses on visual flair and a pronounced sound, the Jammy prioritizes a quiet yet enjoyable feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Partial 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
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and HMX Jammy both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, which serves as a defining characteristic for both switches. This shared material choice results in several acoustic benefits, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Nylon, being a softer plastic, inherently absorbs more sound compared to harder alternatives, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality means that users will enjoy a muted, rounder typing sound when using either switch, contributing to a more satisfying auditory experience during prolonged typing sessions.
Despite the similarity in materials, there could potentially be differences in the specific design and tuning of each switch that affect the tactile feel and sound profile. As the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall sound characteristics, any variations in the internal mechanisms or designs can lead to distinct experiences. For instance, if one switch has a slightly different actuation point or spring resistance, users may express differing tactile feedback even when both are made from nylon. However, since both switches utilize nylon, they will maintain that desirable sound absorption quality, giving a relatively closer typing experience.
Ultimately, whether users opt for the TTC Flame Red or the HMX Jammy, they can expect similar auditory results due to the nylon construction. The profound absorption qualities of this material ensure that both switches will produce a rich sound profile, enhancing the acoustic environment while typing. Even though potential variances in feel or performance may arise from other factors, the shared nylon housings guarantee a consistent and enjoyable auditory experience, highlighting the strengths of this classic switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that can influence user preference. The TTC Flame Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Jammy demands a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium range. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Flame Red, as it provides less resistance, potentially reducing strain. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience may gravitate towards the Jammy linear switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which offer a more pronounced feedback during use. Overall, the Flame Red is the lighter option, while the Jammy is the heavier choice, appealing to different user preferences based on typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it's clear that the Flame Red offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jammy features a shorter distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm reflects a growing trend where shorter travel distances, like that of the Jammy, are favored by gamers for their faster response times. On the other hand, enthusiasts who appreciate the deeper feel of a keypress might prefer the Flame Red switch for its more traditional travel distance. In summary, if rapid responsiveness is your priority, the Jammy with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice, while those looking for a satisfying and substantial keystroke would likely enjoy the longer travel distance of the Flame Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, from home to office settings. This balanced auditory experience, combined with its clacky tone, ensures that those who type on it will find it not overly loud nor too quiet, catering to both beginners and experienced users alike. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch presents a more muted auditory experience, which is likely due to its softer nylon housing. While the specific sound profile of the Jammy hasn't been provided, its reputation suggests it offers a quieter operation compared to the Flame Red, making it potentially more suitable for those who desire a more discreet typing experience.
When we delve into the feel, the Flame Red is characterized by its mild and polished qualities. The mild nature implies a gentle typing experience that's approachable for all users, ensuring that the sound and tactile feedback don't overpower the experience. The polished finish adds to the smoothness of key travel, enhancing the overall typing satisfaction. In contrast, details about the feel of the Jammy switch are currently unknown, but its medium weight suggests that it strikes a balance between a comfortable and engaging typing experience. Users may find the Jammy satisfying in its own right, although specific descriptors of its tactile qualities remain elusive.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and the HMX Jammy linear switches offer unique characteristics suited for different preferences. The Flame Red excels with its vibrant sound and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more audible yet smooth experience. The Jammy, while its sound profile is less defined, promises a softer typing sensation, appealing to users who prioritize noise reduction in their typing environment. Depending on your priorities between sound and feel, either switch can be a solid addition to your mechanical keyboard setup, ensuring you will enjoy an engaging and tailored typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a switch that feels light and smooth, with a neutral sound profile that suits both casual and professional settings, the Flame Red is likely your best bet. Its low actuation force of 54 grams allows for quick and effortless typing, while its stunning light diffuser makes it a perfect match for RGB keyboards, enhancing your overall aesthetics. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced typing experience with a medium actuation force of 63 grams, the Jammy switch may be more appealing. Its muted yet satisfying feel, thanks to the softer nylon housing, lends itself well to quieter environments where you might not want to disturb those around you. Ultimately, whether you choose the Flame Red for its vibrant visual appeal and lightness or the Jammy for a slightly weightier and more comforting typing experience, both switches bring their unique strengths to the table, ensuring that either option can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience based on your specific needs and preferences.
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