HMX Jammy vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When comparing the HMX Jammy and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices the differences in their characteristics. The Jammy, a linear switch, is well-known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream, also a linear switch, stands out for its heavier typing experience and deep sound profile, making it buttery, low-pitched, textured, resonant, and invigorating. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, appealing to different preferences. The Jammy may be preferred for its softer feel, while the Cream may be favored for its heavier and more tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jammy Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Jammy features a nylon top housing, which tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Cream employs a POM top housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Cream's POM top housing may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the Jammy's nylon top housing.

On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Jammy and the Cream follow a similar pattern. The Jammy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Cream features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. In this aspect, both switches offer a balance between the top and bottom housing materials, ensuring that the typing experience is consistent throughout the key press.

Overall, while the HMX Jammy and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream may have differences in their housing materials, they both aim to create a satisfying typing sound profile. The choice between nylon and POM housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific sound profile that each individual prefers. However, both switches provide a unique typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Jammy or the muted and pleasing sound of POM in the Cream, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we can see that the Jammy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Cream's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Jammy is 63 grams, while the Cream has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, with the Cream being on the heavier side. For those looking for a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of use, the Jammy might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if a stronger, more substantial typing feel is desired, the Cream might be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Jammy switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with a softer nylon housing. The sound profile of the Jammy switch is not explicitly mentioned, but with the medium-weight feel and muted typing experience, it can be inferred that the sound is likely on the quieter side. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provides a deeper and somewhat resonant sound profile. The Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is clean, sharp, and immersive. Depending on personal preference, the Jammy switch might be more suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Cream switch would appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and resonant sound while typing.

In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is not explicitly described, but it is known for its medium-weight and satisfying typing experience. The NovelKeys Cream linear switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Cream switch is noted for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This could indicate a more tactile typing experience compared to the Jammy switch. The Cream switch is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This suggests a more tactile and responsive typing experience with the Cream switch compared to the Jammy switch.

Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The Jammy switch provides a softer and muted typing experience, while the Cream switch offers a deeper and more resonant sound profile. In terms of feel, the Jammy switch is known for its medium-weight and satisfying typing experience, while the Cream switch provides a buttery and textured feel with pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but users looking for a quieter and softer feel may prefer the Jammy switch, while those seeking a deeper, more tactile experience may lean towards the Cream switch.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a softer, muted typing experience with medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier and more resonant typing experience with a deeper sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be the optimal option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jammy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more