HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Luciola stand out for their unique characteristics. The Jammy, a linear switch, is renowned for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Luciola, also a linear switch, catches attention with its glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft. Users praise the smooth and bouncy typing feel of the Luciola, along with its distinctive sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. Each switch offers its own benefits and appeals to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jammy Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Luciola are both designed to enhance the sound profile of the switches they are used in. While the Jammy uses a nylon top and bottom housing, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. The nylon material in the Jammy creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Luciola's INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as being clacky.

Despite their differences, both the Jammy and the Luciola aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Jammy and the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola play a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This shows that even though the housing materials may vary, their impact on the overall sound profile of the switches is crucial.

Ultimately, when comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Luciola, it's evident that they each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Jammy's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Luciola's INK blend provides a sharper and clackier sound. Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses, but they are tailored to enhance the typing experience in their respective switches. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a pointed and high-pitched sound, both the Jammy and the Luciola offer unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch are quite similar in weight. The Jammy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Jammy at 63 grams is also slightly heavier than the Luciola's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for users who prefer a balance between lightness and heaviness in their typing experience. Some may find the Jammy to be a tad heavier for a more substantial typing feel, while others may prefer the slightly lighter touch of the Luciola for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their comparable actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both offer fairly similar travel distances, with the Jammy coming in at 3.7 mm and the Luciola at 3.6 mm. This slight difference may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are particularly sensitive to the feel of their keys, it could make a difference. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Jammy or the Luciola will depend on your personal preference for key feel and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Jammy switch provides a typing experience known for its softer and muted sound profile, creating a deeply satisfying sensation for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch is described as producing a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed, offering a unique and distinct auditory experience. The Jammy switch, with its nylon housing, results in a typing sound that is likely to be quieter compared to the Luciola switch, which has a hollow sound profile reminiscent of shaking a can of spray paint. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the user's choice of keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Jammy switch is noted for providing a typing experience that is both smooth and satisfying, although specific descriptors for its feel are not provided. On the contrary, the Gateron Luciola switch is characterized by a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. This indicates a responsive and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a more refined and seamless typing sensation for users. The differences in feel between the Jammy and Luciola switches may cater to individuals seeking either a softer, more uniform typing experience or a more responsive and polished feel.

In conclusion, the HMX Jammy and Gateron Luciola switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch tends to provide a quieter and softer typing experience, while the Luciola switch delivers a more unique and potentially louder sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Jammy switch offers a typing sensation that is likely to be smoother, while the Luciola switch is known for its responsiveness and polished finish. Depending on the preferences of the user, they can choose between a more muted and satisfying typing experience with the Jammy switch or a more distinct and responsive feel with the Luciola switch. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a muted typing experience, the HMX Jammy linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a switch with a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Luciola offer their own distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jammy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more