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HMX Jammy vs. Akko Rosewood

An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jammy and the Akko Rosewood are two compelling options for those who prefer linear switches. The HMX Jammy is celebrated for its soft, glittery nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience that many find appealing for both gaming and typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood stands out with its deep, thocky sound that resonates straight out of the box, attributed to a layer of factory-applied lubricant, which enhances the overall auditory feedback. While the Jammy excels in delivering a quieter and more muted typing experience, the Rosewood offers a pronounced acoustic quality that can make each keystroke feel more impactful. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value a seamless, subdued experience or a lively and resonant one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

57g

Actuation force

40g

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

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Nylon

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

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Akko Rosewood switches, it is striking to note that both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, offering specific auditory and tactile characteristics. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow for a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This quality is attributed to nylon’s ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a unique sonic experience that is described as both duller and rounder. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound experience from both switches, reinforcing their appeal for those who prioritize a rich typing environment.

In terms of the acoustic experience, both the Jammy and the Rosewood will deliver similar auditory results due to their identical choice of nylon for both housings. This commonality means that the typing experience will not only echo the attributes mentioned but also afford the same kinetic response when keys are pressed. The interplay between the top and bottom housings will yield a coherent sound profile, ensuring that whether one is typing on the Jammy or the Rosewood, the delivery of a fuller sound is consistently maintained. Furthermore, the soft qualities of nylon in both configurations help create a satisfying tactile feel that enhances the overall typing experience.

However, while both switches share the same material for their housings, any nuanced differences in their design or internal components could still lead to variations in how the typing experience feels in practice. For instance, the weight distribution, length of travel, and actuation properties might differ between the two models, despite their similar acoustic profiles. Hence, while users can anticipate a comparable sound experience when using either switch, the overall feel may still vary depending on additional factors beyond just the housing material. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Jammy and the Akko Rosewood may come down to these additional design elements rather than the basic properties of the nylon utilized in their housings.

Weight

The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy requires an actuation force of 57 grams and bottoms out at 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Rosewood is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Rosewood more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or gaming marathons with reduced fatigue. Conversely, the Jammy’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Thus, if you prioritize lighter switches, the Akko Rosewood would be the ideal choice, while those seeking a more robust typing experience would opt for the HMX Jammy.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Jammy has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Rosewood features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Jammy switch may provide a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter Jammy switch is the preferable choice, whereas the longer Rosewood switch may be better suited for users who enjoy a richer tactile feedback in their 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.

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 auditory experience that many find deeply satisfying due to its softer nylon housings. This quality can create a more subtle response when typing, making it less intrusive in quiet environments. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is renowned for its distinctive deep thocky sound, which is the result of a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This characteristic gives the Rosewood an acoustic profile that is more resonant and pronounced than the Jammy, making it appealing to those who prefer a more satisfying auditory feedback while they type.

When it comes to feel, the Jammy linear switch is designed with a medium weight, providing a balance that many typists find comfortable. Its construction, featuring softer, glittery nylon housings, contributes to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Rosewood switch also offers a smooth keypress, but it emphasizes a more substantial feel due to its unique design and lubrication. This can create an impression of firmness that may appeal to users looking for a tactile distinction, although both switches prioritize a fluid motion in their actuation.

In summary, the HMX Jammy and Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jammy provides a more muted typing sound and smooth medium-weight feel, suited for those who prioritize a quieter experience. Conversely, the Rosewood stands out with its thocky audio signature and slightly firmer tactile engagement. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you might find satisfaction in either switch; both promise a delightful typing experience but set different tonal and physical expectations.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a firmer, more substantial feeling under your fingers, the Jammy switch, with its 63-gram bottom-out force and muted yet satisfying response, can provide a more controlled experience that feels solid and reliable. This switch is ideal if you’re looking for a switch that minimizes noise while delivering a tactile thrill with each keystroke. Alternatively, if you enjoy a lighter, more agile typing experience, the Rosewood switch, featuring a lighter 50-gram bottom-out force, may be the right fit for you. Its deep, thocky sound and factory lubrication create an expressive auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, making it perfect for both casual typing and gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, auditory response, and how you like your typing experience to feel.

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