HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Red both offer a linear typing experience. The Jammy stands out for its softer nylon housings with a touch of glitter, creating a unique medium-weight feel that provides a muted yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is known for its straightforward linear feel without any notable features. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Jammy may appeal to those looking for a bit of flair in their keyboard, while the Outemu Red is a more basic and no-nonsense option. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Jammy features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, the Jammy's nylon top housing offers a more mellow and rounded sound compared to the Red's polycarbonate top housing, which provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Jammy and the Red switches employ nylon material, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon typing. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. However, the differences in their top housing materials, nylon for the Jammy and polycarbonate for the Red, lead to distinct sound characteristics and overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a switch significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience. While both the HMX Jammy and Outemu Red switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, their differing top housing materials result in distinct sound characteristics. The nylon top housing of the Jammy offers a mellower sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red delivers a sharper and cleaner sound. Understanding the role of housing materials in switches is crucial for individuals seeking specific sound profiles and typing experiences in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we see that the Jammy has a higher actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy is slightly heavier at 63 grams while the Red is at 62 grams. Both switches fall under the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter weight may lean towards the Outemu Red switch due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the HMX Jammy with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Jammy switch. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant to some, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. Shorter travel distances, like that of the HMX Jammy, are often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances, like that of the Outemu Red, can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Red 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 best known for its softer and glittery nylon housing, providing a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying. In terms of sound, the Jammy switch produces a smooth sound profile, which can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific sound description available.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a light and responsive feel, contributing to a unique typing experience. The Outemu Red linear switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific feel description provided.
Overall, while the sound and feel of the two switches may vary based on individual preferences and other contributing factors, it is important to note that both the HMX Jammy and Outemu Red linear switches belong to the linear switch category, which means they offer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Therefore, if you were to choose between these two switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, with the main differences lying in the specific nuances of each switch's design and construction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience that is smooth, satisfying, and slightly muted, then the Jammy switch with its softer nylon housing and medium bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is simple and straightforward with a similar bottom out force, the Outemu Red switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences, sound preferences, and overall feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels best for you.
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