HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Jammy, a linear switch, is praised for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Smoothie, also a linear switch, boasts an all-POM construction that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Jammy offers a more subdued typing experience, the Smoothie shines with its buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, silky feel. 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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique sound profiles, with the Jammy using nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Smoothie utilizes POM for both components. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM material, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile for the Jammy. On the other hand, the POM material used in the Smoothie creates a more pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both switches provide a deeper sound experience, albeit with varying levels of richness and mutedness.
When comparing the top housings of the two switches, the qualities each material brings to the switch are discernible in the sound profile when a key is released. The Jammy's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a more muted sound that still retains a sense of depth. On the other hand, the bottom housings have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The nylon bottom housing of the Jammy and the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie both contribute to the overall typing experience, albeit with slight variations in sound and feel.
In terms of overall performance, the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie offer similar qualities in providing a deeper sound profile for typing. Both nylon and POM materials absorb sound to create a more pleasing typing experience, with the Jammy showcasing a slightly fuller sound profile due to the characteristics of nylon. While the Smoothie may offer a more muted sound, it still provides a unique typing experience that is deep and satisfying. Overall, the housing materials of both switches contribute to a quality sound profile that enhances the typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Jammy is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 57 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Jammy requires 63 grams to bottom out, whereas the force needed for the Smoothie is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Smoothie, as it allows for extended typing and gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Jammy to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level of the user, so it is essential to consider these factors when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, but if you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Jammy might be the better choice. However, if you value a slightly faster and more responsive feel, the Smoothie could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results due to their closely matched travel distances.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, offering a unique sound profile that is not as loud as other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as producing a thocky sound signature, with a low-pitched and subdued tone that provides a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Jammy switch focuses on a softer and more muted sound, the Smoothie switch offers a deep and bass-heavy sound that may be more appealing to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy switch's tactile experience is not explicitly described in the provided information. However, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation. With a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the Smoothie switch offers a seamless and effortless typing feel that enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency. This contrasts with the Jammy switch's unspecified tactile qualities, suggesting that the Smoothie switch may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for users who prioritize feel.
Overall, both the HMX Jammy and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Jammy switch provides a softer and more muted typing experience, the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky and buttery feel that may be more appealing to users seeking a more pronounced tactile and auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, with both switches offering quality options for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Jammy linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force and desired typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience, then the Jammy would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lightweight touch, remarkable smoothness, and a thocky sound signature, the Smoothie would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
