HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Mars

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and Gateron Mars stand out as two appealing options within the linear category. The HMX Jammy is celebrated for its soft, glittery nylon housing, offering a medium-weight actuation that provides a typing experience that feels both muted and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and quieter operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches showcase an innovative design that blends a POK stem with a housing made from a unique mix of Nylon and POM. This combination is engineered to deliver a seamless and responsive typing experience, ideal for users seeking precision and a slight tactile element without the audible click. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their distinctive materials and design philosophies may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jammy Linear

Gateron Mars Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jammy and Gateron Mars both utilize nylon for their top housing, resulting in a distinctly similar auditory experience when typing. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both switches exhibit a rounder and less sharp sound when pressed and released. Due to this shared material for the top housing, users can expect a comparable acoustic experience when typing on both switches, emphasizing the muted and pleasant sound signature that nylon is renowned for in switch design.

In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches showcases a distinct difference in materials, adding another layer to their sound profiles. While the Jammy also employs nylon for its bottom housing, the Mars opts for POM (polyoxymethylene). POM is well-regarded for its unique and pleasing sound properties, providing a deeper and relatively more muted profile compared to nylon. This divergence means that the tactile and acoustic responses of the switches will differ when bottoming out. For users, this difference can influence their preference based on how they value sound and feel; those who appreciate a more traditional and consistent nylon experience might lean towards the Jammy, while others may find the POM characteristics of the Mars appealing.

Ultimately, the combined effects of housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch. While the top housings are uniform in using nylon, the disparity in bottom materials creates a layered sound profile that differentiates the two switches despite some shared attributes. When pressing the switches, users will perceive the unique qualities of the bottom housings differently, as the Jammy’s nylon will lend a softer sound when bottoming out, compared to the more muted resonance of the Mars's POM. This nuanced interaction between the materials ensures that while the top housings deliver a similar sound experience, the distinct bottom housings still allow for varied auditory and tactile responses upon actuation and release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences. The Jammy switch has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which categorizes it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to establish how it compares when fully pressed down. Given the Jammy's heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Mars, with its lighter actuation force, may be more suitable for users who prioritize comfort and endurance during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if one seeks a heavier switch for a tactile experience, the Jammy is the better option, while the Mars is tailored for users who prefer a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is evident that the two have slightly different measurements. The Jammy boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Mars is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference means that users seeking quicker response times may prefer the Mars switch, as its shorter travel distance could facilitate faster actuation. On the other hand, the Jammy's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial key press, providing a deeper feel that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference: if one seeks responsiveness, the Gateron Mars is the better option, while those who value a more pronounced depth in their key presses may prefer the HMX Jammy.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Jammy linear switch produces a sound profile that is notably muted, contributing to a quieter typing experience. This characteristic is likely enhanced by its softer nylon housing, which absorbs sound and reduces any sharp auditory feedback. On the other hand, while the Gateron Mars switch features a unique design, the specific sound produced by this combination of a POK stem and blended Nylon and POM housing is not detailed. It's worth noting that the overall sound a switch emits can vary significantly depending on the keyboard board and keycaps used, so these factors should be considered when assessing overall sound quality.

When it comes to feel, the Jammy switch is recognized for delivering a deeply satisfying typing experience that balances medium weight with a smooth actuation. This makes it highly enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions, as it combines comfort with an engaging tactile feedback. Conversely, the specific feel of the Gateron Mars switch isn't clearly defined, leaving some uncertainty in how it might compare with the Jammy. However, given the innovative design, it is anticipated that the Mars would also provide a unique feel, likely distinct from traditional linear switches.

In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy and Gateron Mars linear switches promise intriguing sensations for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, albeit through different design philosophies. The Jammy offers a muted sound profile and a satisfying feel, whereas the Mars switch's sound remains unspecified, and its feel poses some unknown elements. While you may achieve a similar typing experience in terms of sound or feel with complementary components in either case, the Jammy's established characteristics provide a clearer picture for newcomers, fostering greater confidence in its performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch offer unique experiences that can cater to different preferences. If you prefer a medium weight feel and appreciate a typing experience that is both muted and satisfying, the Jammy is likely your best choice. Its softer, glittery nylon housings contribute to a pleasant tactile feedback that makes typing enjoyable over long sessions. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovative switch designs and the combination of materials in the Mars switch intrigues you, then it might be worth considering, especially if you like a smoother linear action and the distinct feel provided by the POK stem and the Nylon-POM housing blend. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style—whether you lean towards a more subdued and softer experience with the Jammy or prefer the innovation found in the Mars. By evaluating your personal needs and preferences, you can choose the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jammy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more