HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer distinct experiences for users. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch best known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight design, providing a typing experience that is both satisfying and muted. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that blends tradition with innovation, featuring a single-stage spring for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. While the Jammy offers a more subtle typing experience, the Jupiter Brown boasts high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects for both reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. 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
57g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown lies in the material used for the top housing. The Jammy features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch, with the Jammy offering a rounder sound and the Jupiter Brown providing a clearer and resonant sound.
On the other hand, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing material. This commonality means that both the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will deliver a similar deep and full sound profile when pressing down on the switch. The softer plastic composition of the nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound experience for users of both switches. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, the shared bottom housing material ensures that typing on these switches will offer comparable sound profiles in terms of bottom-out sensation.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will largely depend on the specific sound profile that users are looking for in their keyboards. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Jammy with its nylon housing materials, while individuals seeking a sharper and crisper sound may opt for the Jupiter Brown with its polycarbonate top housing. Whether typing on the Jammy with its nylon top and bottom housings or the Jupiter Brown with its mix of polycarbonate and nylon, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Jammy requires a slightly lighter touch. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. While both switches fall within the medium range, the Jupiter Brown is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch to type for longer periods of time, the HMX Jammy may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch that has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Jammy is the shorter option while the Jupiter Brown is the longer option. The shorter travel distance of the Jammy may cater more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Brown may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, likely resulting in a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as having a more traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, suggesting a potentially more audible sound when typing. However, it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a smooth and possibly unique typing experience. The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished typing experience with a single-stage spring for a classic feel. These switches also boast high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, ensuring both performance and aesthetic appeal. The Jupiter Brown switch is considered to have a more approachable and gentle typing experience due to its middle-ground qualities, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, possibly resulting in a quieter sound, while the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more traditional keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, potentially leading to a more audible sound. Both switches feature high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects, ensuring reliable performance and aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, but users can expect a satisfying experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a softer and more muted typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more traditional tactile feel with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. It's important to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.