Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both known for their linear design, there are some key differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Red is perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing style, as it has a lower actuation force that makes typing effortless and smooth. With a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switches feature softer nylon housings, providing a more muted typing experience that is still deeply satisfying. While the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, polished, the Jammy's categorization is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and HMX Jammy both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, resulting in a thin, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Jammy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Ink Red's INK blend produces a sharper sound, the nylon material of the Jammy absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences, the top and bottom housing materials of the switches play a significant role in the overall sound and feel. In the case of the Ink Red, the INK blend material impacts the top and bottom housing differently. The top housing contributes to the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Jammy's nylon housing material influences both the sound profile and the typing experience with its ability to absorb more sound, creating a fuller sound overall.
While the Gateron Ink Red and HMX Jammy have distinct housing materials, they both offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The INK blend material of the Ink Red produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Jammy's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a quality typing experience that can cater to different preferences based on sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is clear that the Ink Red is lighter overall. The Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ink Red is also lighter at 60 grams compared to the Jammy's 63 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ink Red, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Jammy. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Red being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Jammy for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its neutral and chirpy sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's hard to directly compare the two in this aspect. Both switches will give you a smooth typing experience, but if you prefer a switch with a little squeak to it, the Gateron Ink Red may be more to your liking.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red is described as silky, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, typing on the Ink Reds can be a polished and enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the HMX Jammy switch's feel characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, if you enjoy a smooth and refined typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red may be the better choice for you.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Gateron Ink Red is known for its smoothness, crispy sound, and lower actuation force, the Jammy switch may provide a more muted typing experience with its medium-weight feel. If you're looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a softer feel with glittery nylon housings, the HMX Jammy switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you're looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crispy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red with its lower actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted typing experience with a medium weight and glittery nylon housings, the HMX Jammy switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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