HMX Jammy vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Jammy is a linear switch best known for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch that boasts a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke. Its tactility strikes a delicate balance, providing a pronounced feel without being overpowering. While the Jammy excels in providing a smooth typing experience, the Purple Sakura offers a satisfying 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a satisfying experience. In contrast, the Purple Sakura utilizes polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a more defined typing experience.
While both switches share nylon bottom housing, which maintains the qualities of creating a deep and full sound profile, the impact of the bottom housing can be felt more during bottom-out sound and feel. This ensures a consistent typing experience throughout the keystroke for both the HMX Jammy and Sarokeys Purple Sakura. However, the difference lies in the top housing material, with the Jammy utilizing nylon and the Purple Sakura featuring polycarbonate. This contrast in materials will result in a noticeable variation in sound when releasing a key, with the Jammy offering a duller sound while the Purple Sakura delivers a crisper sound thanks to the properties of their respective housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice between a clear polycarbonate top housing and a nylon top housing can significantly impact the overall look of the switch. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Jammy's nylon top housing offers a more classic and understated appearance. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the material composition of their housing playing a key role in defining the sound profile and feel of each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Jammy requires a slightly higher actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63 grams for the Jammy and 60 grams for the Purple Sakura. This means that while the Jammy may feel slightly lighter to actuate initially, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be quite similar between the two switches. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple Sakura for longer typing sessions, while others might favor the slightly heavier actuation force of the Jammy for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jammy. Shorter travel distances are preferred by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Purple Sakura being slightly shorter than the Jammy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a mild and neutral sound signature. This means that both switches will deliver a pleasant auditory experience, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used can further influence the sound produced.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy switch's specific characteristics are not provided, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy. This indicates that the Purple Sakura switch offers a smooth, gentle typing experience with a responsive and enjoyable tactile feedback. The balance between these qualities in the Purple Sakura switch provides a comfortable typing sensation that many users may find appealing.
Overall, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Jammy switch emphasizes a muted and satisfying typing experience, the Purple Sakura switch focuses on providing a buttery and snappy feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feeling, or both in your mechanical keyboard experience, either of these switches could offer you a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, each switch's qualities will allow for a unique and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a muted and deeply satisfying typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy response with a buttery downstroke and a pronounced yet not overpowering tactility, the Purple Sakura switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing feel or the response of the switch.
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