HMX Jammy vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jammy and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer two distinctive experiences, both categorized as linear switches, yet appealing to different typing preferences. The HMX Jammy, with its softer and glittery nylon housings, provides a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a tactile feel without the accompanying noise. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for those seeking a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops; it features a balanced 53g bottom-out force that delivers a light yet gratifying keystroke. While the Jammy focuses on a plush feel suitable for comfortable typing sessions, the Silent Sakura caters to those who thrive in quiet environments, such as offices or shared spaces. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g share a commonality in their top housing material, which is nylon. This classic switch housing material is renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. In both switches, the nylon top housing contributes to a softer acoustic experience, absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics would. The result is a more rounded sound during typing, as the nylon dampens the vibrations and tones that would otherwise be sharper and more pronounced. Thus, users of both the Jammy and Silent Sakura can expect a similar auditory feedback when pressing keys, rooted in the acoustic properties of their nylon top housings.
While the top housing materials are the same, the differences in bottom housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles in the two switches. The Jammy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which continues to promote that deeper and fuller sound experience established by the top housing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that is significantly stiffer and hence generates a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This change affects not only the overall tonal quality when bottoming out the key but also introduces a clarity that can enhance feedback during typing. Consequently, while both switches exhibit similarities due to their consistent top housing, the divergence in bottom housing leads to two distinct auditory experiences.
The impact of the different bottom housings is particularly significant during typing. As users press down on the switches, the nuances brought by the bottom housing become more apparent. The HMX Jammy is characterized by a more muted sound due to its nylon bottom, creating a cohesive and soft typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provides a sharper audio feedback during key presses, allowing for a more resonant and pronounced sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura also supports RGB lighting well due to its translucence, adding an additional visual layer to the typing experience. Overall, while the nylon top housings ensure a similar sound profile when releasing the keys, the differences in materials at the bottom introduce characteristic distinctions that cater to varying user preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jammy switch requires a higher actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would likely favor the Silent Sakura, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Jammy. The different force thresholds provide unique typing experiences suited to various preferences, with the Jammy offering more resistance and the Silent Sakura facilitating easier key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a notable difference in travel distance. The Jammy features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jammy switch offers a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times for a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance can provide a more substantial and satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer depth in their key presses. Therefore, if your priority is responsiveness, the Jammy would be the better choice; however, if you desire a more pronounced key press, the Silent Sakura is the way to go.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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, providing a soft and satisfying feedback without being overtly loud. Its nylon housing contributes to a dampened sound profile that is less likely to disrupt your surroundings, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is specifically engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the serene sound of gentle raindrops. This switch emphasizes silence in its design, making it ideal for environments where noise control is paramount. While both switches are designed to minimize sound output, the Jammy is noted for its subtlety, while the Silent Sakura takes a more extreme approach to create an almost completely silent keystroke.
When discussing feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch is characterized by its medium weight, striking a pleasurable balance that many typists find deeply satisfying. The softer feel of the nylon housing allows for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, perfect for extended usage. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a bottom-out force of 53g, which is designed to provide a light yet satisfying keystroke. This switch is meticulously balanced, appealing to those who prefer a touch that offers a bit of feedback without heaviness. While both switches are linear, they cater to different preferences; the Jammy for those who appreciate a medium feel, and the Silent Sakura for typists who enjoy a lighter touch.
In summary, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch have their unique attributes that make them appealing to different types of users. The Jammy is known for its muted sound and pleasingly soft feel, perfect for an immersive typing experience without the noise drudgery. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a silent operation, ideal for collaborative environments while offering a light actuation. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a more tactile, medium-weight feel with some sound or a whisper-quiet experience with a lighter actuation force. Both can provide rewarding typing results, but aligning with your personal preferences will guide you to the right switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch should align with your personal preferences and intended usage. If you're someone who enjoys a more substantial feel with a medium-weight typing experience, the Jammy switch might be your ideal companion. Its soft and glittery nylon housing provides a muted yet deeply satisfying tactile sensation, perfect for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and feedback are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke that allows for whisper-quiet operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the go-to option. Its balanced 53g bottom-out force delivers a gentle touch akin to raindrops, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces or quiet environments where noise sensitivity is a consideration. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different needs—you’ll just need to reflect on whether you prioritize a heavier, more textured feel or a lighter, serene typing experience.
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