HMX Jammy vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the KTT Mint are two intriguing options to explore. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch known for its softer nylon housings and medium weight, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is also a linear switch, offering a smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. The Mint switch is further characterized by its low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished attributes. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and the KTT Mint both utilize Nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This choice of material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with Nylon bottom housings. In contrast, the top housing of the Jammy is made of Nylon, while the Mint features a clear polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material used in the Mint's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Jammy's softer Nylon top housing. Additionally, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for those looking to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches share the use of Nylon for their bottom housings, their choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Jammy's use of Nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Mint's combination of a polycarbonate top housing with a Nylon bottom housing creates a unique contrast in sound, with a sharper and crisper sound profile when pressing down on the switch and a deeper and fuller sound when releasing the key. This showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice of housing material in switches plays a significant role. The clear polycarbonate top housing in the Mint not only enhances its visual appeal due to its translucency but also allows for a more vibrant RGB lighting experience. In comparison, the Jammy's Nylon top and bottom housings provide a more subdued look, but deliver a consistent deep and full sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Jammy and KTT Mint comes down to personal preference in sound profile, aesthetics, and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it's evident that the Mint is the lighter option, while the Jammy is the heavier one. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Mint offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, falling in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Mint, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Jammy. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the preference for a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Mint linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jammy offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Mint provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on whether a shorter or longer travel distance is more suitable for the individual's typing or gaming experience.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 best known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. While the specific sound qualities of the Jammy are not described, given its softer nylon housings, it is likely to produce a more subdued and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound. The low-pitched nature of the Mint switch lends itself to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the neutral sound profile makes it suitable for a variety of environments and users. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences and setup.
Regarding feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its medium-weight key press that provides a satisfying typing experience. While the specific feel of the Jammy switch is not detailed, it is likely to offer a comfortable and consistent typing feel due to its design. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel of the Mint switch offers a gentler typing experience compared to more pronounced switches, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mint switch results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy and KTT Mint linear switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Jammy switch are not detailed, its softer nylon housings and medium-weight key press suggest a satisfying and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, along with its mild and polished typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide options that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches can help you determine which one best suits your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and a poppy thockiness, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the HMX Jammy linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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