HMX Jammy vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the HMX Jammy and the KTT Semi Mute, both linear switches with unique qualities. The Jammy stands out with its softer and glittery nylon housings, offering a satisfying and muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches are designed for a noise-free environment, featuring advanced dampening technology for a comfortable and gratifying feel during typing. While the Jammy is categorized as having a medium weight, the Semi Mute is described as 'buttery', 'mild', 'muted', and 'neutral'. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the KTT Semi Mute, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their nylon and polycarbonate materials. The Jammy, with its nylon top and bottom housing, provides a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant tone. While both materials have their distinct advantages, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference in sound and feel.
Despite their differences, the nylon top housing of the Jammy and the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute both play a crucial role in defining the sound profile of the switches. The nylon top housing of the Jammy creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute generates a sharper and crisper tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. Overall, these top housings demonstrate how material choice can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
When considering the impact of the bottom housing material on the overall typing experience, the differences between the nylon bottom housing of the Jammy and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute become apparent. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of the Jammy contributes to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute produces a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, enhancing the tactile feedback of the switch. This distinction highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can influence the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is clear that the Jammy is heavier in both respects. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Jammy requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Semi Mute. This means that the Jammy would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier feel, while the Semi Mute would be lighter and better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall under the medium force category, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, albeit with a slight difference in the weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jammy will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Semi Mute. Gamers may prefer the Jammy for its shorter travel distance, which can offer faster reaction times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Semi Mute with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key press depth, with the Jammy being the shorter option and the Semi Mute being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch lives up to its name by offering a completely silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. While the Jammy switch offers a softer and more subdued typing sound, the Semi Mute switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, although the exact feel is not explicitly described. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is praised for its buttery and mild typing feel. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the mild characteristics make the typing sensation gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing experience, with the Semi Mute switch being particularly suitable for those who value a smooth and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy and KTT Semi Mute linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch provides a softer and muted sound profile, the Semi Mute switch ensures complete silence during typing sessions. Additionally, the Jammy switch offers a typing experience that is deeply satisfying, while the Semi Mute switch delivers a smooth and buttery keystroke sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a rewarding typing experience. With their distinct characteristics, using either switch will result in a similar level of typing satisfaction based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying with medium bottom out force, then the Jammy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing with a slightly lighter bottom out force, then the Semi Mute switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so consider what is most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, either choice will provide a comfortable and gratifying typing experience tailored to your specific preferences.