HMX Jammy vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Splash Brothers each offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jammy is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a muted yet satisfying typing experience that appeals to those who favor a more subdued sound profile while typing. Its medium weight strikes a balance, making it suitable for users who want a comfortable yet responsive feel. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers dazzles with its "speed" design, featuring a shorter activation point combined with a long pole stem. This unique composition not only enhances typing speed and responsiveness but also contributes to its creamy sound signature, which many users find particularly pleasing. While the Jammy leans toward a more tranquil typing experience, the Splash Brothers invites a lively and snappy feel that can elevate your gaming and typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
57g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a distinct contrast emerges with regards to their top housing materials. The Jammy uses a nylon casing that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This choice of material is significant, allowing for sound absorption and a softer auditory experience that many typists prefer. In contrast, the Splash Brothers opt for a polycarbonate housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to greater resonance, creating a brighter auditory profile. These differences in top housing materials ultimately affect the overall typing experience, with the Jammy emphasizing warmth and depth and the Splash Brothers offering clarity and brilliance.
On the other hand, both the Jammy and the Splash Brothers utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a uniformity that harmonizes their acoustic characteristics. Since nylon is known for its sound-dampening properties, both switches are able to deliver a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. The common use of nylon allows for a consistent auditory feel when the key is pressed down. While the tops provide contrasting qualities—one catering to a softer sound and the other to a sharper one—the shared nylon in both bottom housings ensures that typists still experience a rich tactile sensation regardless of the model they choose.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials—the nylon bottom housing in both models and the differing top housings—means that users can expect unique yet complementary auditory experiences. The Jammy’s nylon top creates an even duller sound when releasing a key, which pairs with the nylon bottom demand for a rounded feeling. Conversely, the Splash Brothers’ polycarbonate top accentuates the acoustic clarity when lifting off, complemented by the same nylon bottom that grounds the deeper sound profile. This alignment in their bottom housing means that while users can delight in the distinct crispness or warmth of each model, the consistent nylon integration guarantees impactful sound performance when the keys are pressed, making each switch compelling in its own right.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy switch features an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch that offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers linear switch has an unspecified actuation force but a notably light bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Splash Brothers easier on the fingers, particularly for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Jammy switch is heavier overall, providing a firmer resistance that some users may prefer for tactile feedback, while the Splash Brothers offers a breezier feel, ideally suited for those who prioritize comfort over prolonged use. Ultimately, when compared, the Jammy's actuation is a notable 9 grams heavier than its bottom out force, whereas the Splash Brothers' bottom out remains notably lower, highlighting the differences between these two options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Jammy features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Jammy the longer option by 0.2 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of relatively short travel distances, appealing to users seeking faster response times, the Jammy offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. Gamers and speed enthusiasts might gravitate towards the Splash Brothers for its quicker actuation, but those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress could find the Jammy to be the better choice. The relatively close distances suggest that users might achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness, depending on their personal preferences in tactile feedback.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch is noted for its muted and deeply satisfying timbre, likely enhanced by its softer nylon construction. This quality makes it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be managed, offering a pleasant yet unobtrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches deliver a creamy sound signature, described as neutral. This neutral sound profile strikes a balance that caters to both beginners and seasoned users, making it versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in more public workplaces.
In terms of feel, the Jammy switches provide a typing experience that is both satisfying and smooth due to their medium weight. The emphasis on a gentle push allows for a comfortable typing rhythm without overwhelming tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches are designed for a more dynamic feel, with characteristics that include snappiness and bounce. This means they provide responsive and lively feedback, contributing to a more engaging typing experience. The Splash Brothers also maintain a mild and subtle quality that ensures accessibility for a wide range of users.
Overall, while both the HMX Jammy and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to effective typing experiences, they do so with distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Jammy excels in providing a softer, more muted auditory experience paired with a smooth, forgiving typing sensation, while the Splash Brothers focus on responsiveness, offering a lively auditory and tactile response. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel—whether you lean toward quiet satisfaction or lively engagement—both switches can deliver gratifying results, though they cater to slightly different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch primarily depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a medium-weight switch that offers a satisfying and muted typing experience, the Jammy is an excellent choice. Its slightly firmer 63-gram bottom-out force provides more resistance, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke, perhaps for extensive typing tasks or if you prefer a more tactile feedback while typing. Conversely, if you want a switch that feels light and responsive, the Splash Brothers are ideal with their 48-gram activation and engaging snappy feedback. This switch excels in gaming and fast-paced typing due to its shorter activation distance and creamy sound profile, making it less intrusive in shared environments. Ultimately, your decision boils down to whether you seek a more robust typing feel that the Jammy offers or the agile responsiveness provided by the Splash Brothers, each catering to different types of keyboard enthusiasts.
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