HMX Jammy vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique typing experiences. The HMX Jammy, known for its softer nylon housings and glittery appearance, provides a satisfying and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is loved for its bouncy feel and clean, clacky sound profile. The Jammy is categorized as a linear switch, while the Polaris Gray falls into the linear switch category as well. If you're looking for a switch that offers a medium weight and muted typing experience, the Jammy may be the right choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a bouncy feel and clean sound profile, the Polaris Gray could be the switch for you. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that they have contrasting properties. The Jammy's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences and aesthetics.
One similarity between the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Gray is their use of different materials for the top and bottom housing, splitting the qualities each material brings to the switch between the top and bottom. This means that when typing on these switches, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the difference in materials used, this split effect ensures that both switches deliver a balanced and versatile typing experience, catering to different sound preferences and tactile feedback desired by users.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Gray will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and feel. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Jammy offer a softer and more rounded sound, ideal for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Polaris Gray deliver a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for users who prefer a more clear and resonant typing feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide unique sound profiles that will enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar actuation forces. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams, while the Polaris Gray does not provide information on actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Jammy is lighter at 63 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that while both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Jammy may feel lighter to type on due to its lower bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with those who prefer a lighter typing experience potentially leaning towards the Jammy, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Polaris Gray.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray. The Jammy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Polaris Gray's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer variations in travel distance that cater to different preferences, with the shorter distance of the Jammy and the longer distance of the Polaris Gray providing unique typing experiences for users.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switches are best suited for those who prefer a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches are known for their clean and clacky sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference, with the Polaris Gray switches catering to those who enjoy a bouncy feel and the Jammy switches appealing to individuals seeking a softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's sound preference and typing style.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switches are known for their medium-weight feel and glittery nylon housings, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches are described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences, with the Jammy switches focusing on a softer feel and the Polaris Gray switches delivering a more polished and refined typing experience. As with sound, the choice between these switches will ultimately come down to the user's personal typing feel preference.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jammy linear switches and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with the Jammy switches or a clean and clacky sound profile with the Polaris Gray switches, you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel that align with your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a muted, satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a bouncier, clean, and clacky typing experience, the Polaris Gray switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best fits your typing style and sound preferences.
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