HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features to consider. The Jammy stands out for its glittery nylon housings and medium-weight design, providing a typing experience that is both tactile and satisfying. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches from Gateron are specifically engineered for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation. While the Jammy is ideal for those looking for a muted yet tactile typing experience, the Mountain Top switches cater to professionals seeking a discreet and comfortable typing solution. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Mountain Top are both made of nylon, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which helps absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will have a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, thanks to their shared nylon housing materials. However, any differences in the top and bottom housings will affect the overall feel and sound impact of each individual switch.
In terms of the top housing of the switches, the nylon material used in both the Jammy and the Gateron Mountain Top will contribute to the sound profile when a key is let go. The softer nature of nylon will help create a more rounded and dull sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the top housing may have a subtle impact on the sound when releasing a key, the nuances of the material can still be felt in the overall sound profile of each switch. Whether it's the Jammy or the Gateron Mountain Top, the nylon top housing will play a key role in shaping the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the nylon material in both the Jammy and the Gateron Mountain Top will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This will affect the overall typing experience, making it more satisfying and potentially more comfortable for users. The impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key cannot be understated, as the qualities of the nylon material will be more pronounced in this aspect of the switch design.
Weight
The HMX Jammy and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jammy has a higher actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In comparison, the Gateron Mountain Top offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Gateron Mountain Top switch ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weight options, catering to individuals with varying preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The Jammy offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer benefits based on personal preferences; if you prefer a deeper press, the Jammy may be the way to go, while those seeking a faster response time may prefer the Mountain Top. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 softer and muted typing experience, offering a deeply satisfying feel with a glittery nylon housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed specifically for office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. The Jammy switch produces a unique sound profile due to its nylon housing, while the Mountain Top switch aims for discretion in professional settings with a subdued sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a medium-weight typing experience that is characterized by a smooth and satisfying touch. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with a mild and snappy response that enhances the typing experience. The Mountain Top switch is engineered to offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Jammy switch, with its glittery nylon housing, is known for providing a more muted and satisfying typing feel.
Overall, the HMX Jammy and Gateron Mountain Top linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a unique typing experience with its softer and muted sound, combined with a medium-weight feel that is deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch caters to office environments by offering a quiet and light actuation feel, with a bouncy and easy-to-press response that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience for different needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the typing experience you're looking for. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a muted and deeply satisfying typing feel, the Jammy switch with its 63-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light actuation force and a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch with its 50-gram bottom out force designed for professional settings could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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