HMX Jammy vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron North Pole V2 both offer unique typing experiences. The Jammy is a linear switch with softer nylon housings, providing a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is also a linear switch, known for its gummy feel and muted sound profile, offering a satisfying and chewy typing experience. While the Jammy offers a medium-weight feel, the North Pole V2 is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and Gateron North Pole V2 offer distinct differences in their housing materials. The Jammy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's sound absorption qualities. In contrast, the North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer plastic's clear and resonant properties. While both materials are known for their classic switch housing characteristics, they produce contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Despite their differences, the nylon top and bottom housing of the Jammy and the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the North Pole V2 both contribute to their switches' overall sound and feel. The nylon in the Jammy creates a duller and rounder sound when typing, while the polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 produces a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is highlighted in switches with RGB lighting, offering a unique visual appeal. Ultimately, whether users prefer the softer, rounder sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate will depend on their personal preferences.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes evident that each plays a crucial role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. While the Jammy's nylon housing may provide a deeper and fuller typing experience, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Both switches cater to different tastes, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining a switch's overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, the Jammy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. However, the Jammy has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2 for its lighter actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Jammy due to its heavier bottom out force. In either case, users can expect a similar typing experience with these switches given their comparable force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance compared to the Jammy. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Jammy may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2 may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those seeking a deeper key press. Both switches offer a different key feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding which one to choose.
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 North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 known for its elusive quality, providing a unique typing experience that may vary depending on the setup. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, giving a dampened yet satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches aim to provide a quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches, allowing for a more focused and less disruptive environment.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is praised for its softer and more satisfying typing experience, thanks to its medium-weight and glittery nylon housings. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as gummy, offering a chewy and unique typing feel reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 may also have a creamy, bouncy, or polished sensation, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and reduced friction for enhanced key travel.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches offer distinct and subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch provides a softer and more muted typing experience, the North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy and varied feel that includes creamy, bouncy, and polished sensations. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, as both have their own unique characteristics that can cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy switch with its medium weight of 63 grams may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams and a unique, gummy typing feel that is both deep and muted, then the North Pole V2 linear switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the decision really comes down to your personal preference in terms of weight, sound, and feel. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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