Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, some key differences come to light. The Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a smooth and clacky feel, making it a popular choice for those looking for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Jammy boasts a softer nylon housing that adds a unique glittery touch to its medium-weight switches, resulting in a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished, the Jammy's categorization is not specified. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference 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
60g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jammy switches bring different sound profiles to the typing experience. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Ink Yellow providing a sharper and more distinctive sound compared to the Jammy's softer and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jammy switches differ in material composition. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Jammy enhances its deeper and fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Ink Yellow offering a more distinctive bottom-out sound compared to the Jammy's duller and rounder bottom-out sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jammy switches will ultimately depend on the sound profile preferences of the user. While the Ink Yellow provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with its proprietary INK blend housing, the Jammy offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. However, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile variation between the two switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch reveals some differences between the two. The Ink Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Jammy switch has a lighter actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium category. The lighter actuation force of the Jammy switch may make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to some users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the HMX Jammy with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its neutral and clacky qualities, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the specific feel of the HMX Jammy switch is not mentioned, so it's difficult to draw a direct comparison here. Nevertheless, based on the available information, both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their unique characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch stands out for its shorter travel, neutral sound, mild feel, and a balance between laptop and standard mechanical keyboard typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch boasts softer nylon housings, a glittery aesthetic, and a typing experience that's muted and deeply satisfying. While certain aspects of the switches may differ, such as sound and feel, both switches are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience depending on personal preferences and setup choices. Ultimately, newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction with either the Gateron Ink Yellow or HMX Jammy switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jammy linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a shorter travel distance with a smooth and clacky typing experience that falls between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard, then the Gateron Ink Yellow would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that is muted yet deeply satisfying, with the added bonus of glittery nylon housings, then the HMX Jammy switch would be a better fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the desired sound and feel of your keyboard.
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