Huano Grape Orange vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Jammy both present unique advantages for different types of users, despite both being linear switches. The Grape Orange stands out for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, which allows for an effortless typing experience that can significantly reduce finger fatigue during extended sessions. This makes it an ideal choice for typists who prioritize speed and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy offers a medium-weight feel, providing a more muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience, enhanced by its softer, glittery nylon housing. This switch may appeal to those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a subtler sound profile, while still benefitting from the smoothness of a linear switch. Both switches cater to different preferences and styles of typing, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard realm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Jammy switches showcase different characteristics in their top housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles. The Grape Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which facilitates a clearer and more resonant audio experience. In contrast, the HMX Jammy features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory signature. While both materials serve the purpose of housing, their differing properties lead to distinct sonic outcomes, particularly in how they influence the auditory experience when a key is released, with polycarbonate leaning towards brightness and nylon to warmth.
When examining both switches' bottom housings, an interesting contrast emerges. The Grape Orange and Jammy each utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in the sound profile they produce during key presses. Both nylon materials provide that classic fullness, as the softness helps to absorb sound and prevent harshness, resulting in a more rounded feel when typing. This commonality means that regardless of the differences seen in the top housings, both switches will deliver a consistently deeper sound during the act of pressing a key. Thus, while the auditory nuances are shaped significantly by the top housing, the similarities in their bottom housings ensure that users will experience a complementarily deep sound across both switch types.
Ultimately, the interaction between the materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the HMX Jammy switches highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing in achieving distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grape Orange contributes to a crisp and lively feel, while the nylon top housing of the Jammy offers a softness that promotes a soothing typing experience. However, the use of nylon in both bottom housings means that, when bottoming out the switches, the user will encounter a comparably rich and full sound. This integration of materials illustrates how different materials can be harmonized to create distinct yet cohesive results in keyboard acoustics and feel.
Weight
The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, such as at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Jammy boasts a stronger actuation force of 57 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a stronger push. This means that the Jammy switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, whereas the Jammy is the heavier choice, catering to different typing styles and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm indicates that the Jammy switch offers a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Grape Orange. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Grape Orange may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel may prefer the HMX Jammy, as its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feedback upon key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences—favoring either speed and responsiveness or a more measured and deep keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 Huano Grape Orange switch is relatively quiet, which allows for a more subdued typing experience, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. The HMX Jammy switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a muted and deep sound profile, which also contributes to a pleasant auditory experience while typing. Although both switches lean towards a quieter operation, factors such as the keyboard’s build construction and the type of keycaps used can influence the final sound produced.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch features an exceptionally light and effortless actuation, which makes it ideal for users who prefer minimal resistance while typing. This low actuation force allows for quick keystrokes and less finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Jammy switch aims for a more medium-weight feel, delivering a typing experience that feels plush and satisfying without being overly heavy. The combination of softer nylon housing in the Jammy provides a comforting tactile response, enhancing the overall typing feedback.
In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and HMX Jammy linear switches offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Grape Orange excels in providing a lightweight and quiet typing experience ideal for extended use, while the Jammy emphasizes a muted, plush feel that’s satisfying to type on. If you prefer a lighter touch with a subtle sound, the Grape Orange may be your go-to, while those who appreciate a more substantial yet still quiet experience might gravitate towards the Jammy. Ultimately, either option can lead to an enjoyable typing session, based on what aspects you prioritize.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a light and effortless experience, especially during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange’s low actuation force of 40 grams makes it an ideal choice. It provides a tactile feedback that is smooth and responsive, allowing for quick keystrokes without much effort, which can be particularly beneficial for those who tend to type at high speeds or enjoy a lighter switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-bottom-out force of 63 grams, the HMX Jammy could be your go-to option. Its satisfying resistance coupled with a muted sound profile allows for a more deliberate and controlled typing experience, making it great for both gaming and professional work where precision is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize speed versus control, and whether you lean towards a softer touch or something with a bit more weight.
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