HMX Jammy vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and KTT Purple Star both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a muted yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star, also a linear switch, is distinguished by its all-POM construction and very light 45g bottom-out, making it ideal for light typists seeking ease and comfort while typing. While the Jammy offers a glittery aesthetic and a unique feel, the Purple Star excels in providing a buttery smooth experience with a neutral sound signature. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the KTT Purple Star, one key difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. While the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, the Purple Star opts for a POM top housing. The POM top housing of the Purple Star produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to nylon.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Jammy and the KTT Purple Star share a similar nylon material. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing between the two switches suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom-out sound and impact.
While the differences between the top housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the KTT Purple Star may influence the sound profile when pressing or releasing a key, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to users looking for a deeper, fuller sound profile, with the Jammy emphasizing a softer, more absorbing nylon material, and the Purple Star highlighting a POM material that produces a more muted sound.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy has a medium actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Purple Star the lighter option, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Jammy provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which some may find more substantial and satisfying. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose according to their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Jammy offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes, while the Purple Star's shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt but lead to quicker actions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and satisfying typing experience, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can be further shaped by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for a softer typing experience with a glittery nylon housing, whereas the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a buttery smooth feel with its all-POM construction. The Purple Star switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the HMX Jammy and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch emphasizes a muted and satisfying typing experience, the Purple Star switch focuses on providing a smooth and easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience for users, ensuring that they will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the HMX Jammy and KTT Purple Star linear switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-weight switch with a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Jammy would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a buttery smooth feel and easy-to-press actuation, the Purple Star would be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for typing force and feel will determine which switch is the best fit for you. So, make sure to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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