HMX Jammy vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and Haimu Orange Sea are two noteworthy linear options, each offering unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Jammy, characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housing, provides a medium-weight feel that emphasizes a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quieter operation without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches boast an impeccably smooth typing feel and a neutral sound signature, which appeals to users seeking a seamless keystroke with minimal noise for both work and play. While each switch has its strengths—softness and muted performance versus smoothness and sound neutrality—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
57g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Haimu Orange Sea switches exhibit notable differences in their top housings, influencing their sound profiles significantly. The Jammy incorporates a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This material absorbs sound, resulting in a more subdued acoustic experience that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate allow for a clearer, more resonant profile, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more defined auditory feedback with each keystroke. Thus, while both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings for a consistent tactile experience, the divergence in their top housing materials highlights a distinct contrast in overall sound output.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Jammy and the Orange Sea share a commonality, as they both utilize nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches offer the same deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon, which contributes significantly to the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out feel and sound is crucial, as it governs the sensation and audible feedback upon key activation. Consequently, even though the top housings differ in material, the shared nylon bottom housing serves to unify the tactile experience between the two models, yielding a consistent bottom-out sound that resonates with users who prefer a soft, muted acoustic environment.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the HMX Jammy and Haimu Orange Sea leads to an interesting juxtaposition in sound design, while their identical nylon bottom housings ensure a similar tactile feel during use. For typists who appreciate the soft, rich sound profile that nylon provides, both switches will deliver a satisfying experience, especially at the bottom of the keypress. However, for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a more responsive sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Orange Sea may be more appealing. Overall, the interplay of materials plays a pivotal role in defining the unique qualities of each switch, showcasing how subtle variations can promote varied typing sounds while still achieving comparable tactile results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a significantly lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference in weight plays a crucial role in user experience; the lighter Orange Sea switch is ideal for those who prefer prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue, while the heavier Jammy switch provides a more substantial feel, which some users may find preferable for tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches serve their purposes, the Jammy is distinctly heavier than the Orange Sea, catering to different typing and gaming preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, it's clear that the Jammy offers a slightly longer experience at 3.7 mm, while the Orange Sea measures a bit shorter at 3.6 mm. This subtle difference may influence users based on their preferences—gamers who favor quicker responses may lean towards the Haimu Orange Sea for its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their typing experience may find the HMX Jammy's longer travel distance more satisfying. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Jammy provides a depth advantage, while the Orange Sea may cater to those seeking responsiveness.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
The HMX Jammy switch produces a sound profile that leans towards a muted, softer tone thanks to its nylon housing. This results in a typing experience that can feel more subdued compared to other switches, making it a preference for those who might want to keep noise levels down while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature that is likely to be equally unobtrusive. However, it is important to note that the sound quality can vary based on the chosen keyboard plate and keycap materials, which will ultimately influence how these switches sound during use.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy switch offers a medium-weight typing experience that balances resistance and smoothness, leading to a deeply satisfying tactile response that many users appreciate. The Haimu Orange Sea, on the other hand, is noted for its impeccably smooth type feel, likely providing a seamless, effortless keystroke that appeals to those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Both switches cater to users who enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation, though their specific characteristics may align better with individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches provide compelling options for mechanics keyboard enthusiasts. While the Jammy switch leans towards a softer and more muted sound with a balanced feel, the Orange Sea offers a smooth typing experience with a neutral auditory profile. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; either option can yield a gratifying typing experience, depending on the specific qualities one values most in their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-weight actuation that provides a satisfying and muted feedback, the Jammy is an excellent choice. Its 63-gram bottom-out force ensures that you have enough resistance for deliberate keystrokes, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of heft to their switches. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, smoother typing experience with minimal resistance, the Orange Sea, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, may better suit your needs. Its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature make it perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming where speed and responsiveness are paramount. Ultimately, your decision should align with the typing feel you desire: choose the Jammy for a more substantial experience and the Orange Sea for a gentle glide.