TTC Gold Red vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, it becomes clear that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile yet subtle switch. On the other hand, the Jammy stands out for its softer nylon housings and medium weight, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. While the Gold Red offers a snappier sound profile and a touch of personality, the Jammy boasts a quieter and more subdued typing 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
43g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the HMX Jammy both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Gold Red featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Jammy has a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Jammy produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials, with the Gold Red providing a more crisp and resonant sound compared to the Jammy's duller and rounder sound.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the Gold Red and the Jammy contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference lies in the top housing material. The split qualities of the housing materials in each switch result in a unique typing experience - the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced by the bottom housing, while the sound upon releasing a key is influenced by the top housing. This shows how the choice of housing material can affect different aspects of typing experience in mechanical switches. Despite having different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and the HMX Jammy ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Gold Red offers a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, making it suitable for users who prefer a more defined typing sound. On the other hand, the Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who enjoy a rounder sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards, providing users with a range of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Red is the lighter option while the Jammy is the heavier of the two. The actuation force of the Gold Red is 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Jammy, which has an actuation force of 57 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Red requires 50 grams while the Jammy needs 63 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience for the Jammy. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Red, which is ideal for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Jammy. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jammy has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Jammy the shorter option by 0.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being slightly longer. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, which would make the Jammy more appealing in this aspect. However, some may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Red for a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results, with the only noticeable difference being the slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a quieter and more muted typing experience due to its softer nylon housing. The Gold Red switch provides a snappy sound that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard, while the Jammy switch offers a deeply satisfying typing experience that is more subtle and gentle.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. These qualities create a buttery smooth typing feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switch's feel is not specifically described, but its medium-weight and glittery nylon housing suggest a unique tactile experience that may be more muted but equally satisfying.
In conclusion, while the Gold Red and Jammy switches offer slightly different sound and feel profiles, they both provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the snappy sound and polished feel of the Gold Red switch or the quieter and more subtle typing experience of the Jammy switch, both options are excellent choices for a mechanical keyboard enthusiast looking for a linear switch with a unique character. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but you can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switch could be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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