HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular options to consider. The Jammy offers a softer and glittery nylon housing, providing a typing experience that is muted yet deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness, low "thocky" sound, and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. While the Jammy excels in providing a medium-weight and muted typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro stands out for its budget-friendly all-purpose capabilities. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both use nylon for their top and bottom housing materials. This means that when it comes to the sound profile and feel of these switches, they will likely produce similar results. Typing on switches made with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will offer a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate.
However, while the housing materials are the same for both switches, the design and construction of the housing may differ between the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). These differences could impact the overall feel and sound of the switches, even though they both utilize nylon for their housings. The top housing may influence the sound when a key is let go, while the bottom housing could have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This distinction in housing design could lead to subtle variations in typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share the same nylon housing materials, resulting in a similar deep and fuller sound profile. However, the specific design and construction of the housing in each switch may lead to slight differences in the typing experience, with the top and bottom housing each playing a role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is enhanced by the qualities of the nylon housing material.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Jammy requiring 57 grams and the Milky Yellow Pro needing 50 grams. In terms of bottom out forces, the Jammy is slightly heavier at 63 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams. The Jammy provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a lighter actuation force for smoother and faster keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Jammy being better suited for those who prefer a more solid feel, and the Milky Yellow Pro being ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, depending on personal preference, one can choose between a heavier typing experience with the HMX Jammy or a lighter touch with the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) to achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall in the category of shorter travel distances, the Jammy offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Milky Yellow Pro. Gamers looking for a faster key press may prefer the Jammy, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Milky Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 known for its softer, muted typing experience with a glittery nylon housing, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound profile. The Jammy offers a more subdued and satisfying typing sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a deep and rich tone that is highly regarded by budget enthusiasts. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Jammy providing a quieter typing experience and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a more pronounced and satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for offering a medium-weight typing experience that is deeply satisfying. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for its tactile feel are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery and textured, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro provides a more consistent and effortless typing sensation compared to the Jammy, which may have a more moderate feel due to its lack of detailed descriptors.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jammy excels in providing a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with its medium-weight feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro stands out for its smoothness, bassy sound profile, and buttery feel that make it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can achieve similar levels of typing satisfaction with either switch by selecting the one that best matches your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a muted and satisfying typing experience, the HMX Jammy switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a smooth and buttery feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Happy typing!
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