HMX Jammy vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Jammy is a linear switch with softer nylon housings, providing a medium-weight typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is also a linear switch but stands out for its innovative semi-silent feature, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear is described as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', making it a versatile choice for various preferences. 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Jammy featuring a nylon top housing and the Semi-Silent Linear using polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Jammy's nylon top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a clear housing option that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. Polycarbonate's translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the HMX Jammy may not offer the same level of visual appeal when it comes to RGB lighting. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to nylon may result in a more clear and resonant sound profile in the Semi-Silent Linear, making it a preferred choice for users looking for a crisper typing experience.
While the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may differ in terms of the top housing (nylon for Jammy, polycarbonate for Semi-Silent Linear), both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon's characteristics remain consistent in the bottom housing of both keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetic preferences, and specific typing experience desired by the user.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we see that the Jammy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Jammy requiring 63 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear 62 grams. This means that while the Jammy may be slightly lighter to initially press, both switches will give a similar typing experience when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Jammy may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it can be noted that they both offer the same tactile experience in terms of travel distance. The shorter travel distance allows for quick and efficient typing, making them suitable for tasks that require precision and speed. Additionally, the 3.7 mm travel distance ensures that the keys are responsive and provide a satisfying typing experience. In conclusion, while the HMX Jammy and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches may have slight differences in other aspects, their travel distances are identical, resulting in similar results and performance when used.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The HMX Jammy linear switch offers a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, with a softer nylon housing. In terms of sound, the Jammy switch has not been specifically described, but with its medium-weight and muted typing experience, it is likely to produce a subtle and pleasant sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is labeled as semi-silent, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Described as subdued and neutral in sound profile, the Jwick switch offers a more subtle sound signature suitable for various settings.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jammy switch's specific characteristics are not outlined, but with its medium weight and softer housing, it likely offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished in feel. Providing a gentle typing experience with a responsive and fluid keystroke, the Jwick switch delivers a balanced and effortless typing sensation that is smooth and refined.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch provides a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out with its innovative semi-silent design and smooth key travel. Depending on one's preferences, either switch can provide a pleasurable typing experience with similar results in terms of overall satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, the HMX Jammy linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 63 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a silky smooth type feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams would be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns more with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best fits your typing style and needs.
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