HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Silent Ocean are two popular choices to consider. The Jammy is a linear switch best known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offering a medium-weight typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. Meanwhile, the Silent Ocean, also a linear switch, doesn't have a standout feature but provides a different typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Silent Ocean both have their own unique characteristics that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound because of its stiffer nature. The aesthetic aspect also differs, with the translucent polycarbonate being ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon provides a classic and timeless look.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Jammy and the Silent Ocean utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound that is consistent across both switches. While the top housing may have a more noticeable impact on the sound as you press and release keys, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing. While the Jammy and the Silent Ocean differ in their top housing materials, both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with the softer nylon housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the stiffer polycarbonate housing, each option offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Jammy has a slightly higher actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams, making the Jammy the heavier option in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, which is higher than the Jammy's 63 grams, making the Silent Ocean the heavier option when pressing the key all the way down. Overall, the Jammy provides a more consistent typing experience with similar actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Ocean offers a lighter initial key press but a heavier force when fully pressed, catering to different preferences for typing feel and key response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier key press is desired.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Jammy. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the HMX Jammy with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Silent Ocean with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its softer and more muted typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned. The Jammy switch is likely to produce a quieter typing noise compared to the Silent Ocean switch, but it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a medium-weight typing experience that is described as satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's typing feel is not specified. Both switches are linear, meaning they provide a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump of a tactile switch.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-weight key press, the HMX Jammy linear switch would be a good choice. However, if you are looking for a linear switch with a different sound or feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch may provide a different typing experience. It's important to try out different switches to find the one that best fits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Jammy linear switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a more muted and satisfying typing experience, the Jammy may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision, and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features and benefits, so make sure to take these into account before making your final choice.
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