HMX Jammy vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jammy, a linear switch, is praised for its softer nylon housings and glittery aesthetic, providing a typing experience that is muted yet deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Sky V3, also a linear switch, is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, making it a popular choice amongst users looking for a balance between comfort and precision. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the Jammy's medium-weight feel and the Sky V3's diverse typing preferences, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
40g
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
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and the Dareu Sky V3 both utilize different materials for their housing, with the Jammy featuring nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Sky V3 uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing of the Jammy creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the different housing materials used in the top and bottom of the switches, both the HMX Jammy and the Dareu Sky V3 offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of their housing materials. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing affect the typing experience in different ways, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing playing a role in the sound when releasing a key. While the Jammy's nylon housing creates a fuller and deeper sound overall, the Sky V3's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a mix of sharpness and clarity in its sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Dareu Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, making it a visually appealing choice for those interested in customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy's nylon housing provides a classic look and feel, focusing more on the tactile and auditory typing experience rather than visual effects. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Jammy is the heavier option with an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Sky V3 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams (bottom out force unknown). The Jammy provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 may appeal to those who want a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, with the actuation force determining how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke and the bottom out force indicating the pressure needed to press a key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, the Jammy has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sky V3 has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jammy offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preference for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Sky V3 being slightly longer than the Jammy. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 subdued and muted typing sound, offering a quieter experience compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer a more subtle and gentle typing sound, making them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Jammy switch is recognized for its medium-weight typing experience, offering a satisfying and comfortable feel with each key press. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Both switches offer a balance between comfort and precision, catering to a wide range of typing styles and preferences. Whether you prefer a slightly heavier or lighter feel to your switches, both the HMX Jammy and Dareu Sky V3 switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Jammy provides a more subdued sound and medium-weight feel, the Sky V3 offers a neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize a quieter typing sound or a slightly lighter feel, both switches will deliver similar levels of satisfaction and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a softer, muted typing experience, then the Jammy switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a medium-light weight for a comfortable typing experience, then the Sky V3 switch would be the better option. Both switches cater to different preferences and offer unique qualities that cater to a wide range of users, so ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels best for you.