HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different options, and two notable contenders are the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Gold. The Jammy switch, renowned for its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a smooth, linear feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch offers a distinct clicky feedback that many users find enjoyable for its tactile response, enhancing the overall typing experience with an audible confirmation of each keystroke. While the Jammy is ideal for users seeking a quieter, more understated operation, the Gold suits those who thrive on the sensation of pronounced clicks during use. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jammy Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jammy and the Outemu Gold switches are distinct in their top housing materials, with the Jammy featuring a nylon top and the Gold employing polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, dampening the acoustic resonance as it absorbs sound. This contrasts sharply with the Gold's use of polycarbonate, a stiffer material known for its capacity to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clarity and brightness of the sound from the Gold can often be attributed to polycarbonate’s rigidity and translucency, making it an excellent choice for switches designed to accentuate RGB lighting effects. In essence, while the Jammy promotes a softer auditory experience, the Gold aims for a brighter and more resonant output.

When examining both switches' bottom housings, however, we find common ground. Both the Jammy and Gold feature nylon for their bottom housings, which yields a deeper and rounder sound profile. This shared material means that, regardless of their differences in top housing, both switches will present a similar bottom-out experience. The nylon absorbs sound effectively, allowing for a muted and more pleasant response during keystrokes. This similarity in bottom housing results in consistent tactile feedback from both switches when pressed, emphasizing the sound-dampening qualities that nylon brings to the tactile experience.

In summary, while the top housing of the Jammy and Gold provides contrasting acoustic profiles due to their differing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their identical nylon bottom housings create a harmonizing factor that influences the overall typing experience. Consequently, despite the distinct sound characteristics of their respective top housings, users of both switches can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel attributed to the shared nylon material. This interplay of housing materials ultimately shapes the unique auditory and tactile feedback that typists can expect from each switch, promising a nuanced experience tailored to user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Gold features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Outemu Gold switch the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a reduced strain during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jammy, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for a firmer typing experience. While the bottom out forces are relatively similar, with the Gold having a slightly lower force, the distinct actuation forces highlight the Jammy as more suitable for those who appreciate a stronger tactile response compared to the softer feel of the Outemu Gold.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the differences are quite notable. The Jammy has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gold features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Jammy offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness, allowing for faster key presses and potentially improved gaming performance. On the other hand, the Gold's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, likely offering a more satisfying depth for typists who prefer a heartier experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for speed versus tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch is characterized by a muted and somewhat soft tone, providing a typing experience that is discreet and less likely to disturb others in a shared environment. This quality makes it ideal for those who prefer a quiet workspace while still enjoying the satisfaction of a solid keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch delivers a pronounced and sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke, creating a satisfying "click" sound that many typists find enjoyable and engaging. This distinct sound adds a layer of excitement to typing, making it appealing for users who enjoy an audible confirmation of their actions.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Jammy linear switch offers a smooth and responsive experience, allowing for fluid movement without any tactile bumps or obstacles. This can lead to a gentle yet enjoyable typing rhythm, which many find comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gold clicky switch provides a tactile bump followed by the click, which not only enhances the physical feedback but also aids in typing accuracy for those who appreciate a more interactive experience. The tactile sensation combined with the auditory feedback of the Gold switch allows typists to feel more connected to their input.

In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience, the Jammy is the ideal option. Conversely, if the sharp, engaging feedback of a clicky switch excites you, the Gold will likely be more to your liking. Each switch provides a distinct typing experience, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their individual needs and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a more muted and smooth typing experience that is satisfying without being overly loud, the Jammy switch is your best choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams means you’ll have just enough resistance for a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming without the distraction of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you thrive on audible feedback that enhances your typing experience and enjoy a clicky sound, you will likely prefer the Outemu Gold switch. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a distinct tactile response that can be both engaging and enjoyable, particularly for those who find satisfaction in the classic clicky feel. In summary, choose the Jammy for a quieter, smoother experience, and opt for the Gold when you want that satisfying satisfying click with each keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jammy Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more