HMX Jammy vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Cherry MX Silent 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 Silent Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jammy, a linear switch, is best known for its softer and glittery nylon housings that provide a medium-weight feel, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red, also a linear switch, mirrors the classic MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Jammy focuses on providing a satisfying typing experience, the MX Silent Red prioritizes a significantly quieter sound profile. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red switches are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, making typing on these switches a quieter and more satisfying experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing on either switch.
However, differences may arise in the design of the top and bottom housings between the two switches. The qualities that each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom, affecting the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The bottom housing is said to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which is the sensation you get when fully pressing down a key. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound that occurs when releasing a key, creating a more balanced typing experience overall.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their housing materials, the specific design and construction of the HMX Jammy and Cherry MX Silent Red may result in slightly different typing experiences. Users may notice variations in the sound profile and tactile feedback between the switches, with the bottom and top housings playing distinct roles in determining the overall typing feel. Despite these potential differences, both switches offer a quieter and more satisfying typing experience thanks to the absorbing qualities of nylon as a housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Jammy switch is heavier in both aspects. The HMX Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Jammy switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Red switch would be favored by individuals who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of resistance that cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their typing style.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be identical for both. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. The travel distance of 3.7 mm for both switches ensures that users will get consistent and reliable performance, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 is best described as providing a softer and potentially thocky typing experience with a low-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it significantly quieter than traditional mechanical switches. While the Jammy may offer a more unique sound experience with its softer and potentially deeper tones, the MX Silent Red excels in providing a near-silent typing experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a typing experience that is described as satisfying and potentially textured due to its softer nylon housings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for maintaining a slightly heftier feel similar to the MX Red, but with the added benefit of operating silently. With the potential for a textured feel, the Jammy may provide a more tactile typing experience compared to the smoother action of the MX Silent Red.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The Jammy excels in providing a potentially thocky and low-pitched sound with a satisfying and potentially textured feel, while the MX Silent Red stands out for its near-silent operation and slightly heftier feel. Depending on whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more tactile feel, both switches offer their own advantages, ultimately providing a satisfying typing experience for newcomers seeking a quality linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you prioritize a typing experience that is both satisfying and muted, with a medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red switch, which operates silently and maintains a slightly heftier feel of the classic MX Red switch, would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences, whether it be for the sound, feel, or bottom out force of the switch.
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