HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both stand out as appealing linear options, yet they offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Jammy, with its softer, glittery nylon housings, provides a muted yet satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter work environment without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is crafted from all-POM materials, promoting exceptional smoothness while delivering a thocky sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience for gamers and typists who enjoy auditory feedback. While the Jammy excels in creating a serene typing atmosphere, the Sea Salt Smoothie prioritizes sound and smoothness at a competitive price point. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jammy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when compared to harder materials. This characteristic not only enhances the acoustic quality but also contributes to a satisfying and cushioned typing experience that many users appreciate.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which, while equally successful in providing a pleasing sound, has a unique impact due to the differing properties of this material. POM is known for its resilience and smoothness, offering a more muted sound profile, which still retains a satisfying depth. The character of POM differs from nylon in that it may produce slightly crisper feedback, leading to a subtly different tactile sensation. The use of POM emphasizes a more controlled sound environment, providing a contrasting experience to the Jammy's fuller auditory profile.
Both switches, nonetheless, yield similar overall results in terms of sound quality as they share the characteristic of being designed to create rich, deeper tones. While the Jammy leans toward a rounder sound due to the nylon's absorption properties, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housing provides a unique sound that is still deep yet more muted. Thus, while users may notice differences in the tactile and auditory sensations when pressing the keys, they will find that both offer satisfying performances, albeit in distinct manners. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference regarding the richness versus crispness of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Jammy requires an actuation force of 57 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter at 48 grams. This lighter actuation force makes the Sea Salt Smoothie potentially more comfortable for users who type for extended periods or seek a more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for workplace and gaming environments. However, the Jammy's actuation force provides a bit more resistance, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback during typing. Additionally, the Jammy has a measurable bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating how much force is needed to press the switch down completely. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, leaving uncertainty regarding its overall resistance when fully depressed. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch will prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who appreciate the sensation of a heavier switch may gravitate toward the Jammy.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning that the distance you feel when pressing down on a key is the same for both switches. This similarity ensures that users will experience comparable tactile feedback and key responsiveness when using either switch. Consequently, both switches provide a uniform feel and performance, making them equally suitable for typists and gamers who prefer a consistent key actuation 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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 characterized by a muted auditory profile, which creates a pleasant and soft sound with each keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch provides a more pronounced thocky sound, combining a satisfying auditory feedback with smooth actuation. Ultimately, the sound experience can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material, but the inherent qualities of each switch do set a distinct foundation for their acoustic characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Jammy switch delivers a medium-weight typing experience that is both smooth and plush, making it deeply satisfying for extended typing sessions. The softer, glittery nylon housing further enhances this sensation, contributing to an overall enjoyable tactile response. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, as an all-POM switch, is also medium-weight but excels in offering an incredibly smooth feel, which is notable for providing fluid keystrokes with minimal resistance. The differences in materials between the two switches may lead to variations in the overall tactile experience, but both commendations suggest that users can expect a rewarding sensation from each.
In summary, both the HMX Jammy and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches deliver unique yet rewarding characteristics. The Jammy focuses on a muted sound and a plush feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a more pronounced sound and exceptional smoothness. Each switch offers a satisfying typing experience, so your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound dampening or a more auditory feedback profile along with your preferred tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the HMX Jammy, with its medium bottom out force of 63 grams, will likely appeal to you. Its softer nylon housing adds an element of comfort while ensuring that each keystroke feels substantial without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch that combines smoothness with a thocky sound profile at a budget-friendly price, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a fantastic choice. Its all-POM construction offers remarkable durability and a unique feel that some users find preferable for a variety of typing tasks. In essence, if you prioritize a pleasing auditory experience alongside a smooth feel, go for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Conversely, if you desire a satisfying resistance and a more muted experience, the Jammy may be the better fit for you. Ultimately, it’s about what aspects you find most enjoyable in your daily typing experience.
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