Durock Ice King Tactile vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, some key differences immediately stand out. The Ice King Tactile is celebrated for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends the characteristics of smoothness and tactility seamlessly. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy boasts a softer and glittery nylon housing, offering a more muted typing experience that is still deeply satisfying. While the Ice King Tactile is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', 'Polished', the Jammy's traits are not specifically listed. Each switch has its unique charm and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
58g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
68g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jammy utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which helps to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with nylon housing, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures a consistent typing experience and sound quality.
While both the Ice King Tactile and the Jammy share the same nylon housing material, they may differ in the details of their housing design. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom housings of a switch, with each section influencing different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. These subtle design differences may result in variations in sound profile and typing feel between the two switches, despite their shared nylon housing material.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Tactile and the HMX Jammy offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon housing material. The properties of nylon, such as its softness and sound absorption capabilities, contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. While the specific design of the top and bottom housings may vary between the Ice King Tactile and the Jammy, the overall typing feel and sound quality are likely to be comparable. Whether it's typing on the Ice King Tactile or the HMX Jammy, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a rounder and deeper sound profile thanks to the nylon housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Tactile is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium category. While the Ice King Tactile requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their comparable weight. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Jammy for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the more substantial feel of the Ice King Tactile for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jammy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Tactile switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Ice King Tactile switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Jammy linear switch. Both switches offer slightly different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, but ultimately provide similar functionality for typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 Ice King Tactile switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Jammy switch are unknown, but it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished. This means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and satisfying typing feel. The Jammy switch's feel characteristics are unknown, but it is safe to assume that it may offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience based on its medium weight properties.
Overall, the Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its blend of creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Jammy switch offers a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience with its softer nylon housings. While the sound and feel characteristics of the two switches may differ, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers, albeit with slightly different qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Tactile and Jammy switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Ice King Tactile or the HMX Jammy switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are someone who values a unique and satisfying tactile experience with a pronounced bump, then the Ice King Tactile may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and more muted typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the HMX Jammy linear switch could be the better option. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision, and remember that the best switch for you is ultimately the one that enhances your typing experience and suits your preferences.
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