HMX Jammy vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Jammy and the KTT Mallo. The Jammy is a linear switch known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a typing experience that is both satisfying and muted. On the other hand, the Mallo is a tactile switch that offers a subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists. While the Jammy leans towards a linear typing experience, the Mallo provides a gentle tactile feedback without being overpowering. 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the KTT Mallo lies in their top housing. The Jammy uses nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer unique sound characteristics that enhance the typing experience for users.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Jammy and the Mallo is made of nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the top housing. Nylon's soft plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing sensation. This consistency in the bottom housing material between the two switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. Users can expect a consistent level of tactile feedback and acoustics when using either the Jammy or the Mallo, making them reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Jammy and the KTT Mallo will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Jammy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds a visual dimension to the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, resonant sound, both the Jammy and the Mallo offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 57 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the KTT Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Jammy has a bottom out force of 63 grams. Overall, the Jammy requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Mallo, making it a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a lighter typing feel, which may be preferable for users who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions.Ultimately, individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Mallo, while those seeking a heavier switch may opt for the HMX Jammy.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the Jammy has a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the Mallo's 4mm. The Jammy falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mallo's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Similar results can be achieved with both switches, but the Jammy will offer a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 Jammy linear switch is known for providing a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, although specific sound descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Mallo tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various typing environments. Additionally, the Mallo switch is said to produce a subdued, dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be impacted by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Jammy switch does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Mallo tactile switch is described as offering a feathery, light typing feel that reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the Mallo switch is noted for its mild and subtle characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to users. Additionally, the Mallo switch is mentioned to have a stepped feel, giving a sensation of two stages during the keystroke process. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique tactile qualities.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy linear switch and KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch is praised for its muted typing experience with a softer nylon housing, while the Mallo switch stands out for its gentle tactility and feathery typing feel. While specific sound and feel descriptors may differ between the two switches, both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users at various skill levels and typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Jammy and Mallo switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more muted typing experience, the Jammy switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a subtle tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so it's important to test them out and see which one feels best for you. Happy typing!
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