HMX Jammy vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches like the HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both of which are linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The HMX Jammy is renowned for its softer and glittery nylon housings, offering a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver features all-POM construction with a short travel distance for quick actuation, along with a thocky sound, smooth operation, and a light touch. While the Jammy provides a medium-weight option for a comfortable typing experience, the Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation and a unique sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 HMX Jammy and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both utilize different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Jammy features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, they offer slightly different results in terms of sound profile.
Moving onto the bottom housing, the Jammy once again uses nylon, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile with a dull and round sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver incorporates a POM bottom housing, creating a similar deep and muted sound profile. Despite the difference in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics. The choice between nylon and POM for the bottom housing may come down to personal preference and the specific sound qualities desired by the user.
In conclusion, while the top and bottom housing materials of the HMX Jammy and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ, they ultimately aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches. Both nylon and POM materials have their own unique properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience, with slight variations in sound quality. Ultimately, whether you prefer the nylon top and bottom housing of the Jammy or the POM top and bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver, you can expect a similar result in terms of overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie Silver is the lighter option between the two. The Jammy has a medium actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type on for longer periods without fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, which may suggest a softer landing at the end of each keystroke compared to the Jammy. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jammy. The Jammy's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance might be appealing to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Overall, while the travel distances of these switches differ slightly, both are within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in modern keyboards. So, regardless of the choice made, similar results in terms of typing experience and responsiveness can still be achieved.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its softer and somewhat muted typing experience due to its glittery nylon housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is crisp and satisfying. The sound produced by both switches will be influenced by the keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a medium-weight typing experience that is deeply satisfying. The tactile feel is smooth and consistent, providing a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is all-POM with a short travel distance for quick actuation. The Smoothie Silver switch has unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prefer a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Jammy switch provides a softer, muted sound and a medium-weight typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver switch has a crisp thocky sound, smooth feel, and feather-light touch. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a lightning-fast actuation, accompanied by a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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