HMX Jammy vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Jammy, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Jammy switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, offer a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Koala switches provide a perfect balance for those who enjoy a tactile feedback without it being too harsh, thanks to their stepped tactility and pronounced bump. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the HMX Jammy and the Durock Koala lies in their choice of materials for the top housing. The Jammy opts for a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, emphasizing a similar sound profile with a duller and rounder tone.
Despite the difference in top housing material, the bottom housing of both the HMX Jammy and Durock Koala remains consistent with nylon. This choice maintains a similar deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, regardless of the top housing material differences, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. This consistency allows users to enjoy a familiar typing experience no matter which switch they choose.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the HMX Jammy and Durock Koala plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Jammy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches maintain a consistent typing experience thanks to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound profile of nylon or the clearer and resonant sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Jammy has a lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Koala which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Jammy at 63 grams and the Koala at 67 grams, making them fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The lighter actuation force of the Jammy may be preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods of time, while the heavier bottom out force of the Koala may be more suitable for users seeking a more pronounced typing feedback and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for optimal performance.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Koala has a slightly longer key press compared to the Jammy. Both switches offer a balance between traditional travel distances and the trend towards shorter distances for faster response times. Gamers may prefer the Jammy for its quicker actuation, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Koala. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, while the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is not overly loud. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can be further enhanced depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy switch is known for its softer and glittery nylon housing, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch offers a polished and accented feel with a prominent but not overwhelming tactile bump. The Koala switch also features a stepped design that adds to the overall typing feel, giving users a more nuanced keystroke experience.
Overall, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have their own distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jammy switch provides a quieter and softer typing experience, while the Koala switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a unique sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience. If one enjoys a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Jammy switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a bit of resonance, the Koala switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance in their respective categories, giving users a variety of options to suit their mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a softer and muted feel with a medium bottom out force, the Jammy may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Koala could be the ideal option. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, whether it be low-pitched and neutral like the Jammy or low-pitched, neutral, polished, accented, stepped, and stiff like the Koala. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preference for feel and sound.
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