HMX Jammy vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Aflion Thunder Shadow represent two distinct choices that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch with a softer nylon housing that provides a muted yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactile bump and harmonious balance, offering a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out. While the Jammy is best known for its smooth typing experience, the Thunder Shadow stands out for its tactile feedback and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for linear vs tactile switches, but 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both have their unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Jammy's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Jammy's nylon bottom housing shares similar sound qualities to its top housing, the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing further enhances the typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound profile.
While the top housings of the HMX Jammy and the Aflion Thunder Shadow differ in material, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of the differences in their respective top housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for sound absorption and a rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing sound and feel for both switches. This shared characteristic ensures that users will get similar results in terms of sound and typing feel when using either switch.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing material for a switch can greatly impact the sound profile and overall typing experience. The splitting of qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch allows for a variety of sounds and feels when typing. With the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, users can customize their typing experience based on their preference for sound and feel. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Jammy's bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow's top housing, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the user experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium to medium-heavy feel. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is not specified, but its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. This makes the Thunder Shadow slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jammy would be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the Thunder Shadow due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. In conclusion, while both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Thunder Shadow provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Jammy.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a faster response time. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances of these switches. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the HMX Jammy to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of 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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature that complements its overall balance. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback that is not too loud or distracting, making them suitable for various environments.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Jammy switch offers a soft and smooth typing experience due to its medium-weight design and glittery nylon housing. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating tactile feedback with a pronounced bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, catering to different preferences for typing feel.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer and more muted typing feel with the Jammy or a more pronounced tactile feedback with the Thunder Shadow, both switches offer a high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy switches are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a pronounced tactile bump, and a harmonious balance overall, the Thunder Shadow switches might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding bottom-out force, tactile feedback, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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