HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Lime mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their key differences. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch known for its softer nylon housings, medium-weight feel, and muted but deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation. The Lime switches are perfect for tactile fans seeking a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. While the Jammy offers a more muted typing experience, the Lime provides a subtle yet polished feel. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Lime feature nylon top and bottom housings, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that many enthusiasts enjoy. With both switches utilizing the same housing material, users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on either the Jammy or the Lime.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing material, there may still be subtle differences in sound and feel based on other design factors. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though the Jammy and Lime share the same materials for their housings, other factors such as stem design, spring weight, and overall construction could still lead to variations in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Lime may come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. While both switches boast nylon housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, potential differences in stem design and other components could lead to varying keyfeel and typing experiences. Ultimately, users should consider factors beyond just housing material when selecting a switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Jammy has a medium actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier on the fingers for longer typing sessions. The Jammy is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lime, offering a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Lime would be the better option as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for applications where quick response times are desired, such as gaming. The Jammy offers a bit more depth in its travel, which may be preferred by some users looking for a more substantial key press experience. On the other hand, the Lime provides a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of key press feel and 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 best known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, likely offering a softer and quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing sound, with the Jammy possibly leaning towards a more subdued tone compared to the Lime.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is described as providing a medium-weight typing experience, but specific details on feel are not available. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, featuring a mild and polished feel that reduces finger fatigue and provides a smooth typing experience. The Jammy's feel is unknown, but it is likely to offer a more balanced and satisfying tactile feedback based on its overall design and reputation.
Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch both aim to offer a unique typing experience with their own characteristics. While the sound profile of the Jammy may be more muted compared to the neutral sound of the Lime, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Lime's feathery, subtle, and polished feel contrasts with the Jammy's potential medium-weight feel. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both switches should deliver a quality typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a muted, deeply satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, and a switch that is silenced, the Lime switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.