HMX Jammy vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences, both falling under the category of linear switches. The Jammy, with its softer and glittery nylon housing, presents a medium-weight typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter, gentle touch while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte shines with its super smooth operation and balanced sound profile; it delivers a satisfying keystroke that isn’t too quiet, nor overly resonant, perfect for users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. Both switches cater to distinct needs in the mechanical keyboard community, appealing to different types of gamers and typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
57g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and Huano Strawberry Latte, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housings. The Jammy utilizes nylon, a well-regarded classic material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This characteristic is largely attributed to nylon's softer texture, which dulls higher frequencies and promotes a rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. While POK contributes to a smoother typing experience due to its slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to nylon, it also produces a more clacky sound, offering a different auditory experience. This difference between the two materials indicates that while both switches can deliver satisfying tactile feedback, their sound profiles distinctly diverge.
The bottom housings of both the Jammy and Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, are uniform in their use of nylon. This similarity ensures that both switches offer a consistent acoustic experience at the point of bottoming out; both benefit from nylon’s sound absorption properties, which enhance the depth and fullness of the typing sound. Consequently, when a user presses down on either switch, they will experience a significant influence from the nylon bottom housing, creating a sound that is more muted and resonant. Thus, the bottom housing’s shared material across both models establishes a commonality in their acoustic signatures when keys are pressed fully.
In summary, the overall typing experience of the Jammy and Strawberry Latte differs significantly in terms of auditory feedback due to their contrasting top housing materials. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures that the perceptual qualities of depth and fullness remain consistent during key presses. Therefore, while users may appreciate the unique sound characteristics of each switch's top housing—one oriented towards a smooth but crisper sound and the other leaning into a fuller, deeper experience—the shared bottom housing material guarantees that the foundational acoustic qualities of both switches maintain a level of familiarity and comfort for typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable contrast emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy switch requires 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 Strawberry Latte is much lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes, the Jammy's heavier feel might cater to users who enjoy a more tactile experience, while the Strawberry Latte appeals to those seeking ease and comfort. Overall, the Jammy is the heavier option, whereas the Strawberry Latte is the lighter choice, providing distinct preferences for different typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a slight difference that may influence user preference. The Jammy switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, which aligns with the current trend favoring quicker actuation for gaming and fast-paced tasks. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Jammy, which offers that extra 0.1 mm of depth. Ultimately, this minute difference can affect tactile feedback and response times, allowing users to choose according to their preferences for either a more abrupt or a deeper typing experience.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
The HMX Jammy linear switches produce a sound profile that is notably muted, owing to their softer and glittery nylon housings. This creates a typing experience that conveys a subtle richness without being intrusive, making it ideal for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches feature a balanced sound profile—they strike a middle ground that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This means that while they provide satisfying auditory feedback, they still maintain a level of moderation that won't overpower your workspace or disturb others nearby.
When it comes to feel, the Jammy switches deliver a medium-weight typing experience that participants often describe as deeply satisfying. This balanced resistance can enhance comfort during long typing sessions, as it allows for a sense of control without being overly stiff. The Strawberry Latte switches, on the other hand, are celebrated for their super smooth keystrokes, thanks to the latest molds from Huano. This smoothness helps facilitate rapid typing and gaming, creating an effortless glide that many users appreciate, though it may also lack the unique character that the depth of the Jammy provides.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jammy and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches excel in their respective ways, with the Jammy offering a muted sound and a satisfying feel, while the Strawberry Latte provides a balanced auditory experience coupled with an exceptionally smooth typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve a desirable typing experience with either switch, whether you're drawn to the Jammy's softer characteristics or the Latte's smooth clarity. This means you'll find both options compelling, leading to a satisfying outcome in your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you prefer a medium-weight key with a satisfying, muted feel, the Jammy's 63 grams of bottom-out force and softer, glittery nylon housing will provide a rich typing experience that many find enjoyable for both gaming and typing. Its sound profile is characterized as pleasant and subdued, making it suitable for quieter environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter and smoother action, the 45 grams of bottom-out force on the Strawberry Latte will cater to your needs. Its balanced sound profile strikes a nice middle ground, providing enough auditory feedback without becoming intrusive, which can be ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typists who appreciate a light touch. In essence, choose the Jammy for a weighted, luxurious feel and muted sound which can enhance your focus, while opting for the Strawberry Latte if you desire effortless keystrokes with a delicate sound, perfect for a casual and dynamic typing experience.
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