HMX Jammy vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Cherry MX Red both offer unique typing experiences. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch with a softer nylon housing, providing a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red, also a linear switch, is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. While the Jammy is best for a softer typing experience, the MX Red provides a more textured feel with a low-pitched sound. 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
N/A
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 housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Cherry MX Red both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing components. This choice of material results in a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a typing experience with a duller and rounder sound, ensuring a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback for users.
While both the Jammy and the MX Red switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, they may have slight variations in design or manufacturing that could impact the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material, such as impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be felt when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, potentially leading to subtle differences in keypress sound and overall typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Cherry MX Red switches share similar characteristics and benefits due to their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. While they may have minor differences in their design and manufacturing, users can expect a typing experience with a deep and full sound profile that is enhanced by nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound. Ultimately, whether using the Jammy or the MX Red, users can enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback and sound experience while typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the MX Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Jammy is heavier with an actuation force of 57 grams. The bottom out force of the Jammy is 63 grams, making it slightly heavier than the MX Red, which does not have a specified bottom out force. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Jammy offers a slightly heavier touch for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the MX Red would be the preferable choice. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Red has a longer travel distance compared to the HMX Jammy. A shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick reflexes. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress with a sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the HMX Jammy offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking speed, and the Cherry MX Red providing a bit more depth for a different tactile 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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. The Cherry MX Red linear switch, on the other hand, produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is known for its deep and rich tone. Depending on personal preference, the Jammy switch may be more appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the MX Red switch may be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced and robust sound when pressing the keys.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its medium weight and softer nylon housings, providing a typing experience that is both smooth and satisfying. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a slightly heftier feel with a textured sensation, offering a unique tactile feedback that some users may prefer for increased typing accuracy and control. Depending on individual preferences for key press resistance and overall tactile feedback, the choice between these two switches may vary.
Considering the available information, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience with its muted sound and medium weight, the MX Red switch offers a more robust and textured feel with its thocky sound profile and slightly heavier actuation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfactory linear typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of reliability and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, you would want to choose the HMX Jammy linear switch if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying. The softer nylon housing of the Jammy provides a unique feel that some users may find appealing. On the other hand, you would want to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile. The MX Red is known for its responsiveness and robust typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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