HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Jammy, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The HMX Jammy is best known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offering a medium-weight typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is known for providing a tactile feedback without the audible click sound. If you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, the HMX Jammy may be the switch for you. However, the Outemu Brown offers a tactile bump sensation that some users find enhances the typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Brown switches offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deep and full sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Brown switch enhances the sound quality when using RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of sound generation, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall sound profile of a switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials offer a unique typing experience for users. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced. Conversely, the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key becomes more apparent. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience of the switch.
While the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Brown switches differ in terms of their properties and resulting sound profiles, they share the common feature of nylon bottom housing. This similarity means that both switches offer a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. However, the distinction lies in the top housing material, with the Jammy's nylon top housing providing a rounder and duller sound compared to the Brown's polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Jammy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams. On the other hand, the Jammy has a lighter bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Brown is slightly heavier at 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required. For individuals who prefer a lighter feel, the Jammy may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Brown for its heavier force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jammy offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers looking for fast inputs. On the other hand, the Brown switch provides a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to individual preferences for speed and depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal typing style and desired key feel.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 linear switch is known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. In terms of sound, the Jammy switch is typically quieter compared to other switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, so it can be assumed to have a moderate sound level. When it comes to feel, the Jammy switch is known for its medium-weight feel, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. The Outemu Brown switch, being a tactile switch, provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving typists a tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and speed. Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, with the Jammy switch excelling in providing a muted typing experience and the Outemu Brown switch offering tactile feedback for enhanced typing precision. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Jammy linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the HMX Jammy with its 63 grams may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a typing experience that is quieter and more satisfyingly soft, the Jammy with its glittery nylon housings may be more appealing to you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 65 grams and appreciate the tactile feedback offered by the Brown switch, then the Outemu Brown may be the right choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you.
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