HMX Gravel vs. HMX Jammy

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and HMX Jammy both stand out as popular linear options, yet they cater to distinct preferences among users. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its smoothness and responsive performance, featuring a medium-light actuation force that provides an effortless typing experience without sacrificing feel. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value speed and efficiency in their typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy offers a unique combination of a softer, muted sound and a deeply satisfying keystroke, thanks to its glittery nylon housing and medium-weight actuation. This switch may appeal to users who prefer a quieter yet gratifying typing experience. Both switches bring their own strengths to the table, making them suitable for different styles of typing and gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

HMX Jammy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the HMX Jammy, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffer structure, allowing for clearer resonance and a pronounced auditory experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for those seeking visually striking key switches. In contrast, the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a classic material choice for switch construction. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more muted audio experience that absorbs rather than amplifies sound.

However, both switches share a critical similarity in their bottom housings, as both the Gravel and Jammy are outfitted with nylon. This commonality ensures that the bottom housing contributes similar auditory characteristics to both switches. The nylon material delivers a deeper and rounder sound, effectively cushioning the auditory impact during key presses. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the sound and feel when bottoming out, users can expect a consistent response in this regard across both models. This shared nylon bottom housing means that while the Gravel’s top housing produces a more pronounced and brighter sound, the bottom-out auditory experience will resonate with a fuller tone in both switches.

Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Gravel and Jammy create distinct audio profiles in response to key actuation. While the polycarbonate top of the Gravel lends a crisper sound when releasing a key, the nylon top of the Jammy ensures a warmer, softer tone. When combined with their identical nylon bottom housings, both switches manage to provide a satisfying auditory feedback experience, albeit through their unique tonal signatures. Users can achieve varied sound profiles depending on their preference for key response and auditory aesthetics, allowing for a tailored typing experience across different applications.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jammy switch features a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. This distinction means that users of the Jammy switch may experience a firmer push during each keystroke, which can enhance tactile feedback. Overall, individuals who prioritize a lightweight feel should choose the Gravel, whereas those who favor a heavier, more resistant touch should opt for the Jammy.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gravel provides a shorter actuation distance compared to the Jammy. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Gravel may be the preferred choice due to its reduced distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes that can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, the Jammy's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, as it offers a greater depth that can lend a sense of stability during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switch offers a certain level of clarity and vibrancy, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a more expressive auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, thanks to the softer nylon housing, which dampens the noise and provides a more subdued auditory experience. This makes the Jammy a great option for those looking for a quieter typing environment. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can largely depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so individual setups may produce varying results.

In terms of feel, the Gravel switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and a refined typing experience, boasting a medium-light actuation force that contributes to an effortless and responsive touch. This makes the Gravel quite appealing to enthusiasts who favor a light and airy sensation while typing. Conversely, the Jammy switch is described as offering a medium weight that, while still satisfying, provides a different tactile experience that leans towards a softer touch. The combination of both the switch mechanics and the nylon housing creates a unique typing feel that is deeply satisfying, though distinct from the Gravel's smoothness.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Gravel and HMX Jammy linear switches cater to diverging preferences, they each possess qualities that can be highly appreciated by mechanical keyboard users. The Gravel switch is ideal for those seeking a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a vibrant sound, while the Jammy caters to users who prefer a more muted auditory experience with a soft yet satisfying touch. Depending on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve a typing experience that suits their individual needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Gravel and HMX Jammy linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth, almost effortless keystroke, the Gravel is your go-to choice. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, it provides a responsive typing experience that is particularly appealing for long typing sessions, making it ideal for writers or gamers who seek agility in their keystrokes. In contrast, if you prefer a bit more resistance in your typing and enjoy a muted yet deeply satisfying feel, the HMX Jammy, with its medium 63-gram bottom-out force, would serve you better. The Jammy's glittery nylon housings add a unique character to your typing experience, making it excellent for those who like a more robust tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a smoother, lighter keystroke with the Gravel or a slightly firmer, more pronounced typing feel with the Jammy. Consider how each switch aligns with your personal comfort and typing habits to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jammy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more