HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Jammy, a linear switch, and the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch. The HMX Jammy is best known for its softer, glittery nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf does not have any standout feature but is known for its tactile feedback. This switch offers a slight bump when pressed, giving users a more pronounced sensation while typing. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 HMX Jammy and the Outemu Maple Leaf both use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. In this aspect, both switches offer a similar typing experience with regards to sound.
However, where the two switches may differ is in the design of their top and bottom housings. If the top and bottom housings are different for a given switch, the qualities each housing material brings will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing typically has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This may result in a slightly different typing experience between the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Maple Leaf, depending on how their top and bottom housings are designed.
Overall, both the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Maple Leaf offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housing materials. The softer nature of nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, creating a satisfying typing experience for users. While there may be slight differences in how the top and bottom housings of each switch impact the sound and feel, the overall use of nylon as a housing material ensures a consistent and familiar typing experience for users of both switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the Jammy is lighter in both regards. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, with the Maple Leaf being slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jammy may be more suitable as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel for a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf the shorter of the two switches. The Jammy falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for its quicker response times. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf with its slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired. However, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback for typing and gaming, ensuring a quality experience regardless of the slight difference in travel distance.
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 Maple Leaf 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 housing, providing a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have specific qualities that are widely known.
When it comes to sound, the Jammy switch is known for being relatively quiet due to its muted characteristics. The Maple Leaf switch does not have a widely known reputation for sound.
Regarding feel, the Jammy switch is praised for its medium weight and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Maple Leaf switch is not well-documented.
Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its soft housing and muted sound, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter switch. On the other hand, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have widely known qualities, it is important to consider other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices when determining the overall typing experience with these switches. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results if other factors are consistent.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a typing experience that is muted and satisfying, the Jammy switch with its softer nylon housings may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Maple Leaf switch may be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to choose based on what feels best for you.
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