HMX Jammy vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the HMX Jammy and HMX Poro offer distinct yet appealing choices, both classified as linear switches. The Jammy, characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housing, provides a muted and deeply satisfying typing sensation with a medium weight that appeals to those who appreciate a balanced tactile feel without overwhelming feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro excels in delivering silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. With an ultra-light actuation force, the Poro is designed for users who favor a poppy, clacky sound profile for a more engaging auditory experience while typing. Thus, while the Jammy is perfect for those seeking a softer, muted experience, the Poro caters to individuals who thrive on lightweight responsiveness and satisfying sounds. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and HMX Poro switches both feature nylon as their housing material, which is a distinctive characteristic they share. This commonality results in a similar tactile experience when typing on both switches. The nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to its softer composition compared to harder plastics. This property allows each switch to absorb more sound while typing, leading to a notably duller and rounder auditory feedback. As a result, users can expect consistent sound quality and tactile feedback whether they use the Jammy or the Poro.
In addition to the top housing, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing as well. This uniformity extends the characteristics described for the top housing to the bottom housing, reinforcing the overall sound profile and tactile feedback these switches provide. When pressed, users will experience a cohesive feel that is consistent across both models, with the bottom housing playing a critical role in shaping the bottom-out sound and tactile sensation. The similarity in materials for both the top and bottom housings ensures that any differences, if they exist, will have minimal impact on the overall user experience.
Should there be differences in the design or engineering of the top and bottom housings, it's important to note that the benefits of nylon will still govern their performance. For switches where the housings may vary in structure, the qualities each housing material brings will diverge in their effects on the typing experience. However, the foundational characteristics of nylon remain constant, leading to a satisfying experience overall. Users can expect to enjoy a consistently enriched auditory and tactile environment with either the Jammy or Poro switches, thanks to the durability and acoustic properties of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy switch has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Poro switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means the Poro is better suited for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Jammy provides a more substantial feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. As a result, if you’re looking for a lighter, more comfortable experience, the Poro is the better choice, while the Jammy caters to those who favor a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning they have the same distance from top to bottom when pressed. This similarity ensures that users will experience a comparable feel when actuating keys fitted with either switch, resulting in uniform tactile feedback and responsiveness. Given that both switches share this equal travel distance, users can expect similar performance characteristics in terms of keypress depth and overall 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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 characterized by its muted sound profile, providing a typing experience that ensures minimal disturbance, making it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces. The softer nylon housings contribute to this subtler acoustic signature, allowing users to type without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch features a more poppy and clacky sound profile, which can provide auditory feedback that some typists find satisfying and energizing. The sound of the Poro's switches may be accentuated by their ultra-light actuation force, resulting in a more pronounced sound when the keys are pressed, though actual acoustics can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials as well.
When it comes to feel, the Jammy switches offer a medium-weight experience, striking a balance that feels comfortable for both typing and gaming. The design of these switches allows for a satisfying resistance that many users appreciate, while still being forgiving enough for prolonged use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Poro switches provide a silky smooth keystroke, noticeably facilitated by their meticulous lubrication which allows for an effortless glide. The ultra-light actuation force makes the Poro switches feel lighter and more responsive, catering to users who enjoy a quicker feedback and a more playful typing experience.
In summary, while both the HMX Jammy and Poro linear switches appeal to different user preferences, they each offer unique experiences that can enhance typing and gaming. The Jammy leans towards a quieter and more subdued interaction, making it suitable for situations requiring low sound levels, while the Poro provides a pronounced auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy crisp feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes sound richness or a smooth, effortless keystroke feel, with both switches promising satisfying performance within their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a more muted typing experience with a satisfying tactile feel that provides a bit more resistance while typing—like for sustained typing or gaming sessions—you would likely favor the Jammy, with its 63-gram bottom-out force and plush nylon housing. The softer tactile feedback can help you feel confident in your keystrokes without being overwhelmingly loud, making it suitable for quieter environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy an ultra-light, smooth keystroke with a lively sound profile that's great for fast typing or gaming, the Poro would be your best bet with its 50-gram bottom-out force. Its meticulously lubricated feel and pronounced poppy sound make it a delightful choice for those who love speed and responsiveness. In essence, your decision should reflect your preference for sound, feel, and the typing experience that best suits your needs.
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