HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Quinn stand out as two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Jammy, a linear switch, is known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a typing experience that is both satisfying and muted. On the other hand, the Quinn, a tactile switch, offers a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. While the Jammy provides a smooth typing experience, the Quinn delivers a more tactile feedback with a rich sound accompaniment. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the HMX Jammy and Gateron Quinn utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall for both switches. This shared characteristic ensures that users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality when using either switch.
However, despite both switches having nylon as their housing material, there may be slight differences in the overall feel and sound produced due to the design and construction of the switches. The way in which the nylon top and bottom housings are utilized and shaped can impact the typing experience, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The top housing, on the other hand, may have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released, giving each switch its own unique typing feel and sound signature.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jammy and Gateron Quinn share the same housing material in nylon, their overall typing experience may vary slightly due to differences in design and construction. Both switches will provide a deep and full sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's sound absorption properties. Whether the differences in housing design significantly impact the typing experience will depend on personal preference and the specific qualities each user values in a switch.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Quinn's 59 grams, while the bottom out force of the Jammy is 63 grams, slightly lighter than the Quinn's 67 grams. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a noticeable difference in resistance for those who prefer a lighter or heavier feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jammy, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Quinn. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jammy. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for either a slightly shorter or slightly longer 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 is known for its softer and more muted typing experience, resulting in a quieter sound profile compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile that adds character to the typing experience. The Quinn switch is often described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing users with a rich and immersive auditory feedback during keystrokes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a typing experience that is smooth. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its snappy and polished feel, providing users with a responsive and smooth typing experience. The Quinn switch is often described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a tactile bump that is precise, clean, and crisp. The smooth and refined finish of the Quinn switch enhances the typing sensation by reducing friction and providing a seamless key travel experience.
Overall, while the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches are designed to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a muted and softer typing feel or a crisp and tactile feedback, both switches excel in their own unique ways. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that the user is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, with medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a rich, resonant sound profile, with medium-heavy bottom out force, the Quinn switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Happy typing!
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