Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink, a linear switch, and the HMX Jammy, also a linear switch. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is praised for its smooth and lighter typing feel, along with a distinctive higher-pitched clack during use. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy stands out for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight actuation which provides a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Jammy's characteristics are not specifically listed. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that may appeal to different preferences, 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
50g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Jammy have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Jammy features a nylon housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch, with the Ink Box Pink offering a sharper sound while the Jammy provides a rounder and duller sound.
While the top housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Jammy have unique characteristics, their bottom housing materials share similar qualities. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer plastic of the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a smoother and more muted typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that users can expect comparable sound profiles when bottoming out keys, regardless of the difference in top housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Jammy play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound, the Jammy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile when bottoming out keys. Ultimately, users can choose between the sharper sound of the Ink Box Pink or the rounder sound of the Jammy based on their preference for typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Ink Box Pink has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink at 60 grams is lighter than the Jammy's 63 grams, indicating a softer landing when pressing all the way down. Both switches fall under the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience for users who prefer a moderate push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with lighter forces being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier forces for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Ink Box Pink is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Jammy, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, both switches will provide a similar level of responsiveness, so the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel of the keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted and satisfying sound due to its softer nylon housing. While the Jammy's sound profile is not explicitly described, it likely provides a quieter typing experience compared to the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses and releases with minimal resistance. This results in a refined and sleek typing feel that enhances overall typing comfort. On the contrary, information on the specific feel of the HMX Jammy switch is not available. However, given its medium weight and glittery nylon housing, it may provide a unique tactile experience that is distinct from the smoothness of the Ink Box Pink.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch excels in providing a high-pitched and clacky sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted sound profile and potentially different tactile feedback with its glittery nylon housing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as personal preference, keyboard setup, and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you get the best match for your needs.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with glittery nylon housings, the HMX Jammy switch may be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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