HMX Jammy vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and the HMX Jammy and HMX Lotus (Heavy) both exemplify the diversity found within linear switches. The Jammy, renowned for its softer nylon housing and medium weight, delivers a muted yet satisfying typing experience that many users find particularly appealing for long hours of use. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, combined with a bright, resonant sound that creates a bouncy and lively typing sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. While the Jammy excels in providing a quieter, plush feel for a serene typing environment, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to users who revel in the crisp acoustic feedback and a bit of added heft in their presses. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon as the primary material for both their top and bottom switch housings. This shared material choice lays the foundation for a similar sound profile across both models. The advantages of nylon, such as its softer texture compared to harder plastics, contribute to a deeper and fuller audio experience when typing. In particular, the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities help create a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing atmosphere. Consequently, users can expect a comparable auditory feedback from both switches, which may appeal to typists seeking a more muted and pleasant soundscape.
Despite the identical material utilized in both the Jammy and Lotus (Heavy) housings, the overall performance may still differ due to the design and engineering behind each switch. While both switches promise a similar sound profile due to their nylon components, the nuanced differences in the housing shapes, spring mechanisms, and internal constructions might yield varying tactile experiences. The Jammy may have a unique feel which distinguishes it from the Lotus (Heavy), even though both lexicons of sound retain a unified essence provided by the nylon material. This dynamic interplay highlights how the architectural innovation within each model can creatively shape the overall typing sensation while still benefiting from the same foundational material.
In another aspect of comparison, the execution of sound performance during a key press can be influenced by other factors such as the bottom-out sound, which is significantly governed by the bottom housing. Since both the Jammy and Lotus (Heavy) feature nylon in their bottoms, this indicates that both models will exhibit similar qualities in tactile response and sound signature when bottoming out. However, the top housing will distinctly define the sound realized upon releasing the key, shaping a unique auditory character for both switches despite the consistency in materials. Thus, while the material of both models plays a critical role in achieving a cohesive sound signature, the variances in their design demonstrate how manufacturers can produce differentiated typing experiences even from similar housing materials.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch showcase some interesting similarities and slight differences. The Jammy features an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Lotus (Heavy) has slightly lighter specifications with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Despite the Jammy being heavier in both categories, both switches fall within a medium force range, making them suitable for users looking for a balanced typing experience. The Jammy's slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces can provide a more substantial feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a stronger push experience, while the Lotus (Heavy) could be favored by users looking for lighter keystrokes to reduce fatigue during extended use. Ultimately, individuals will find both switches deliver a similar typing experience; however, the Lotus provides a marginally lighter touch, which may cater better to those who prioritize lower effort during long sessions.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch vary slightly in their travel distances, with the Jammy measuring 3.7 mm and the Lotus (Heavy) measuring 3.5 mm. This makes the Jammy the longer option, providing a deeper keypress sensation, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial for their typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) could be advantageous for those seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers who favor the enhanced speed that shorter distances can offer. Overall, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Lotus (Heavy) might be the better choice, while the Jammy caters to preferences for a more pronounced keypress.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
The HMX Jammy switch delivers a typing experience that is notably muted, thanks to its softer nylon housings. This contributes to a more subdued auditory profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter environment or work in shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch produces a bright, resonant sound that is distinctly more pronounced. This contrasting sound profile offers a lively auditory feedback for users seeking a more energetic typing experience. However, it’s worth noting that the overall sound can be influenced by your choice of keyboard and the keycaps you use, which can enhance or diminish the inherent qualities of each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Jammy switch is characterized by a medium weight that provides a satisfying typing experience, emphasizing comfort without being overly stiff. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, as users can enjoy a smooth keystroke without too much resistance. The Lotus (Heavy) switch, on the other hand, features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a super bouncy sensation that many users find delightful. This slightly heavier feel can enhance the tactile feedback during typing, making each keystroke feel more deliberate and impactful.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The Jammy's muted sound and comfortable medium weight present an ideal option for quieter environments, while the Lotus boasts a bright sound and a bouncy feel that appeals to users seeking a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, both switches facilitate enjoyable typing experiences, but they do so with distinct characteristics that can influence your choice depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Jammy and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches offer medium force characteristics, but they cater to slightly different preferences. If you desire a typing experience that is softer and more muted, the Jammy switch is an excellent choice. Its glittery nylon housing not only provides a distinctive aesthetic but also contributes to a more subdued sound profile, making it suitable for quieter environments or for those who prefer less auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more vibrant and bouncy typing experience, the Lotus (Heavy) switch would be more aligned with your preferences. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and a bright, resonant sound, this switch will inject an element of delight into each keystroke, which can be particularly satisfying during long typing sessions or gaming. Thus, your choice between the two should reflect what you value more in your typing experience: the Jammy for a muted, satisfying feel or the Lotus for a lively, resonant touch.
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