HMX Jammy vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch to the Durock Light Tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Jammy is renowned for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offering a typing experience that is muted yet deeply satisfying. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth and angelic typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. While the Jammy falls under the linear switch category, providing a consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, the Light Tactile switch is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, offering a more subtle tactile feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles; 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
52g
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 HMX Jammy and Durock Light Tactile both utilize nylon housing material for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. This shared material for the bottom housing contributes to a similar typing experience in both switches, providing a consistent sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the HMX Jammy features a nylon top housing while the Durock Light Tactile uses a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the HMX Jammy's nylon top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, which is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This difference in top housing material results in a distinct sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the HMX Jammy and Durock Light Tactile allows for a unique typing experience. While both switches share nylon bottom housings for a consistent sound and feel, the differing top housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. The Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a rounder sound profile or a more resonant sound, both switches offer a variety of options to suit your preferences.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch differ slightly. The HMX Jammy has a slightly higher actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Durock Light Tactile's 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy requires 63 grams while the Light Tactile needs 67 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch is slightly lighter to press down initially, but requires a bit more force to fully actuate the keystroke. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy category, providing a balance between lightness for extended typing sessions and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for the type of typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance compared to the Jammy. The Jammy's shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are preferred in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key press responsiveness.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 is known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, whereas the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offers an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature. The Jammy switch provides a softer sound profile, while the Light Tactile switch delivers a more unique and gentle typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference, as both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their own distinct sound characteristics.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Jammy switch is described as providing a medium-weight typing experience with a muted tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its super gentle tactility, offering a more approachable typing experience. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes the Light Tactile switch a great option for those seeking a more premium feel while typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jammy switch provides a softer and muted typing experience, while the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility with a polished feel. Depending on whether you prefer a softer sound profile or a more refined typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to achieve your desired typing feel. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a more muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the HMX Jammy linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 63 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams would be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prefer a softer, glittery housing or a super gentle tactility, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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