HMX Jammy vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Durock Sea Glass stand out as unique options to consider. The Jammy, a linear switch, is praised for its softer nylon housing that provides a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, also a linear switch, boasts a captivating selection of pastel colors and a proprietary material blend that offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while maintaining a smooth feel. The Sea Glass switches also surprise with their weightlessness despite a 62g bottom-out force, producing a uniquely hollow sound signature. While both switches offer their own set of advantages such as a medium-weight and frictionless nature for the Jammy and a feathery, easy-to-press feel for the Sea Glass, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Durock Sea Glass, both switches utilize nylon in their housing components. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top and bottom housing, giving it a sound profile that leans towards the brighter side compared to the Jammy's more rounded sound. This difference in sound profile may be attributed to the specific blend of materials used in the Sea Glass switch.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon in their housing materials, the Jammy and Sea Glass offer slightly different typing experiences. The Jammy's nylon top and bottom housing contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a softer typing experience overall. In contrast, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both the top and bottom housing provides a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter in tone. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing feel and sound experience for users of each switch.
When it comes to the typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of a switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Jammy's nylon bottom housing, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, like the unique blend in the Sea Glass, affects the sound when a key is released. This split between top and bottom housing materials can result in a nuanced typing experience, with each component contributing to a different aspect of the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Jammy requiring 63 grams and the Sea Glass needing 62 grams. The difference in actuation force means that the Sea Glass may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Jammy may be preferred by those who desire a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Jammy is slightly shorter in its travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Jammy due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts and typists.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature due to its proprietary material blend. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sound, but the Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy switch is characterized by a softer typing experience with a medium weight. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sea Glass switch is also described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the HMX Jammy and Durock Sea Glass switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both provide a satisfying typing experience. The Jammy switch is known for its softer typing feel, while the Sea Glass switch impresses with its frictionless and effortless nature. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a enjoyable typing experience, with the Sea Glass switch offering a unique sound signature and the Jammy switch delivering a muted and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Jammy if you prefer a medium-bottom-out force switch with a satisfyingly muted typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Sea Glass if you are looking for a switch with a distinct dry and airy feel, despite its medium-weight bottom-out force. The Sea Glass switches also offer a unique hollowness sound signature that sets them apart. Ultimately, the choice between the Jammy and Sea Glass switches will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound signature. Consider these factors carefully to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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