TTC Ice vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Ice and HMX Jammy both stand out as appealing linear options, each with its unique characteristics. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive feel alongside a satisfying bottom-out sound that makes them ideal for both gaming and everyday typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switches feature softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a medium-weight typing experience that is muted yet deeply satisfying, perfect for those who prefer a quieter environment. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear feel, the Ice emphasizes a premium auditory experience, while the Jammy focuses on a softer touch during typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the HMX Jammy switches, a key difference is evident in the composition of their top housings. The Ice employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This can be attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, enabling a clear and resonant audio experience, particularly suited for setups using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Jammy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic profile. This fundamental divergence between the materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on the respective switches.
The bottom housings of the TTC Ice and HMX Jammy switches mirror the differences found in their top housings. Similar to the top, the Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing that reinforces the crisp and bright sound profile associated with this material. The stiffer plastic allows for pronounced auditory feedback when bottoming out the switch. Conversely, the Jammy’s nylon bottom housing continues the trend of producing a more subdued sound due to nylon's capacity to absorb sound. The contrasting softness leads to a unique feel and sound experience, especially during key presses and releases. Therefore, a user typing on the Jammy will experience a distinct acoustic characteristic compared to the Ice, underscoring how the material selection impacts the overall performance.
In scenarios where the housing materials are distinctly different, like those seen with the TTC Ice and the HMX Jammy, the sound profiles effectively split the impact of each housing in the overall typing experience. For instance, the Ice’s sound is shaped by the rigidity of the polycarbonate, enhancing the bottom-out sounds and making the release crisper. In contrast, the Jammy’s nylon materials lend themselves to a more cushioned auditory signature and tactile feel. By understanding the inherent qualities of each material in both the upper and lower housings, enthusiasts can select switches based on how they prefer to experience sound and feedback, capturing contrasting or compatible acoustic characteristics depending on their needs.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Jammy switch requires a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. This difference in actuation forces suggests that the Ice switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less strain, while the Jammy switch may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial push during keystrokes. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, but the Jammy's heavier specifications overall provide a firmer typing experience. Thus, users can choose based on their preference for weight and feedback: lighter and more comfortable with the Ice, or sturdier and more tactile with the Jammy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, the Ice switch measures at 3.6 mm, while the Jammy switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ice switch the shorter option between the two, which could appeal to gamers and typists who favor quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Jammy switch, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users prefer for its deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference—those seeking a snappier performance may lean towards the TTC Ice, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth may opt for the HMX Jammy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 TTC Ice linear switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its crystal-clear transparent design likely contributes to a resonant, clean sound profile, which can be particularly enjoyable in a mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switches deliver a muted auditory experience, thanks to their softer nylon housings. While the Jammy's sound may lack the crispness of the Ice switches, it offers a subdued quality that many find deeply satisfying, making it ideal for quieter environments or prolonged typing sessions.
Regarding feel, the TTC Ice switches are characterized by their smooth and responsive action, providing an enjoyable experience whether you're typing or gaming. This responsiveness makes them feel upscale and engaging, facilitating quick keystrokes and improving overall accuracy. In comparison, the HMX Jammy switches present a medium-weight typing experience that remains comfortable but offers a softer tactile response due to their construction. This softer feel can provide a rewarding experience for those who prefer a gentle touch while still maintaining decent actuation feedback, striking a balance between comfort and performance.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and HMX Jammy linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ice excels in delivering a clean and responsive typing experience with a satisfying sound, while the Jammy offers a muted yet comfortable feel. Users can expect a somewhat similar typing experience from both switches, depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback—those seeking a vibrant auditory profile may lean towards the Ice, while those who favor a softer touch may prefer the Jammy. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal taste and typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the visual aspects you value in a mechanical keyboard. If you are someone who enjoys a slightly lighter typing feel and appreciates a satisfying bottom-out sound, coupled with a striking aesthetic thanks to the Ice's crystal-clear transparent design, then the Ice switch may be your best choice. It provides an excellent balance for both gaming and everyday tasks, making it versatile for a wide range of activities. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a muted yet satisfying feedback, you might gravitate towards the Jammy switch. Its softer, glittery nylon housing offers a unique tactile sensation and an understated aesthetic appeal, perfect for a more tranquil typing environment. In summary, your decision should reflect your usage patterns and the sensory feedback you seek from your keyboard experience.
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