HMX Jammy vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Jammy and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jammy is celebrated for its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a medium-weight typing experience that is both satisfying and subdued. In contrast, the Swift stands out with its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Jammy offers a muted typing experience, the Swift exudes a clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel. These general pointers showcase the distinct qualities of each switch; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Jammy and the HMX Swift utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. The nylon housing of both keyboards gives them a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making them ideal choices for users who prefer a softer and more muffled typing sound.
Although both the Jammy and the Swift share the same nylon housing material for their switches, the impact of the housing on the typing experience can differ based on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with the flexibility to choose a keyboard that best suits their needs.
Ultimately, the nylon housing of the HMX Jammy and the HMX Swift contributes to a typing experience that is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a quieter and more rounded typing sound. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the nylon material offers a consistent and reliable typing experience across both keyboards. Users can expect a similar level of sound quality and tactile feedback from either keyboard, making them both excellent options for those seeking a quieter and more soothing typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter in both aspects. The Jammy has a higher actuation force of 57 grams and a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a slightly heavier option. On the other hand, the Swift boasts a lower actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter choice overall. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Jammy may be the better option due to its higher force requirements. However, for individuals who enjoy a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods of time without fatigue, the Swift would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, as both offer unique benefits based on their force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the HMX Swift linear switch at 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Jammy being slightly shorter than the Swift. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Jammy due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Swift with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 best known for its softer and muted typing experience with a glittery nylon housing, providing a deeply satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out with a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housing, creating a silky smoothness that pairs well with its delicate 42g actuation force. The Swift switch produces a clacky sound which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the Jammy switch. However, both switches' sound profiles may vary based on external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided, leaving the tactile experience open to interpretation. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These descriptors indicate that the Swift switch offers a light actuation force, low-impact typing feel, reduced finger fatigue, spring-like feedback sensation, and a smooth, buttery typing experience. This suggests that the Swift switch provides a versatile and comfortable typing experience for various applications such as gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy and Swift linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a softer, muted sound profile with a glittery nylon housing, while the Swift switch offers a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness and clacky sound due to its full nylon housing. In terms of feel, the Swift switch offers easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy sensations, enhancing the typing experience with light actuation force, reduced finger fatigue, and smooth keystrokes. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing satisfying typing experiences that can be tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy switch would be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a deeper sound profile, and a silky smoothness during key presses, the Swift switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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