HMX Jammy vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The Jammy, a linear switch, is celebrated for its soft and glittery nylon housings, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, boasts a big tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing experience, with a snappy sound profile. While the Jammy offers a smooth and consistent typing feel, the Polaris Purple provides a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both have distinct qualities that influence the sound profile of the switches. The Jammy's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile because of the stiffer nature of polycarbonate which leads to a clearer and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound experience of the switches.
Aesthetically, the housing materials of the Jammy and the Polaris Purple also differ in their transparency. While the Jammy's nylon housing is not transparent, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing is clear, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the solid nature of the nylon housing of the Jammy provides a more traditional and understated look that may appeal to users who prefer a more classic aesthetic for their keyboard.
Despite their differences in sound and appearance, the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and SP-Star Polaris Purple ultimately serve the same purpose of providing a stable base for the switch components. Both nylon and polycarbonate are durable materials that help to protect the internal components of the switch while also influencing the acoustics of typing. Whether you prefer the softer, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both housing materials contribute to creating a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, with 57 grams for the Jammy and an unknown amount for the Polaris Purple. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy is slightly heavier at 63 grams while the Polaris Purple is at 67 grams, making the Polaris Purple the heavier option. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Jammy for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Purple for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a similar typing experience for those who prefer either option.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jammy. A shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, but if you prefer a slightly shorter distance, the Jammy may be the better option for you, whereas if you enjoy a slightly longer travel distance, the Polaris Purple could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can provide a great typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a snappy sound profile with a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Jammy switch's typing experience is described as softer due to its medium-weight construction and glittery nylon housing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jammy linear switch and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide a pleasant typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience or a snappy sound profile with a big tactile bump, both switches deliver reliable performance that will meet the needs of beginners and advanced users alike. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, with a medium bottom out force, then the Jammy switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a more exhilarating tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappier sound profile, then the Polaris Purple switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard experience possible.
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