HMX Jammy vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Jammy and the TKC Tangerine are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Jammy is known for its softer nylon housings, providing a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings that make each keystroke a pleasure. While the Jammy offers a medium-weight feel, the Tangerine is categorized as 'frictionless', 'buttery', 'high-pitched', and 'polished'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy and TKC Tangerine both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Jammy featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for both. The Jammy's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing produces a very bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
One key difference between the two switches is the impact of the housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel. The Jammy's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is fully pressed, creating a more muted and round sound upon impact. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing is designed to offer a bright and resonant sound upon bottom-out. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how each switch aims to provide a unique typing experience through the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Additionally, the impact of the top housing material on the sound when releasing a key is another aspect where the HMX Jammy and TKC Tangerine differ. The Jammy's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper sound profile when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience with its round and dull sound. Conversely, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright and resonant sound when a key is let go, providing a unique auditory feedback to the user. Despite the differences in sound characteristics, both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, with 57 grams versus an unknown amount. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jammy requires 63 grams, while the Tangerine requires 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a variety of users. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Jammy may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Tangerine. A difference of only 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Jammy due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Tangerine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the right choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 known for its muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, offering a quieter typing sound. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing on them, providing a sharper and more crisp sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Jammy offering a quieter typing experience while the Tangerine delivers a more pronounced sound with each keystroke.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Jammy switch does not have specific descriptors provided, so the typing experience may be more standard or neutral in terms of feel. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as offering a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. This means that the Tangerine switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing feel, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The buttery and polished qualities further enhance the overall typing sensation, ensuring a seamless and refined experience with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a quieter typing sound and potentially a more standard typing feel, while the Tangerine switch delivers a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth, frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to complement your typing style and enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality features that can elevate your typing experience to the next level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying, with a medium bottom out force and a softer nylon housing, the Jammy switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth feel with a high-pitched sound profile and UHWMPE housings for a more polished and frictionless typing experience, the Tangerine switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort.
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