HMX Jammy vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Jammy and the Outemu Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Jammy stands out for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight keys that provide a satisfying yet muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver doesn't have any standout features but is known for its linear feel. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique typing experience, the Jammy may be the way to go. 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
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 HMX Jammy and the Outemu Silver both feature nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. On the other hand, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Jammy and Silver utilize nylon, continuing the trend of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile with their softer plastic composition. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced when bottoming out keys, contributing to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the two switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to other factors such as stem and spring design. Ultimately, users may find the Jammy and Silver to offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel given their shared nylon bottom housing material.
While the top and bottom housings of the Jammy and Silver may differ in material composition, with the Jammy featuring nylon for both top and bottom and the Silver featuring polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, the overall sound profile and feel of the switches will be a combination of the qualities brought by each housing material. The impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Both the Jammy and Silver offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Jammy has a slightly higher actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Silver's lighter 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy requires 63 grams, while the Silver needs a heavier 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force, but the Silver leans towards the heavier side in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, the Outemu Silver may be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the HMX Jammy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Outemu Silver the longer-travel distance option compared to the HMX Jammy. Typically, a 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press feeling, while the 3.7 mm travel distance of the HMX Jammy offers a slightly shallower key press experience. Gamers may prefer the HMX Jammy for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation may opt for the Outemu Silver. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 soft, muted sound with a nylon housing that adds a unique glittery touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific reputation for sound. When it comes to feel, the Jammy switch is known for its medium-weight and deeply satisfying typing experience. The feel of the Outemu Silver switch is unknown. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a softer sound and medium-weight feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you are unsure about the sound and feel preferences, trying out both switches on different boards and with various keycaps would give you a better idea of which one suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy switch with its 63 gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned with sound or feel, the Outemu Silver switch with its 65 gram bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing habits. So, take your time to consider what factors are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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