HMX Jammy vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and Gazzew U4T offer unique typing experiences. The Jammy, a linear switch, is recognized for its softer nylon housings and medium weight, providing a satisfying yet muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, is praised for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, creating a bassy 'thock' sound profile with assertive tactile feedback. Both switches offer their own advantages - the Jammy for a smooth and consistent typing feel, and the U4T for a more tactile and satisfying keystroke. 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
65g
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gazzew U4T both focus on delivering a deep and rich sound profile due to their softness. The nylon top housing of the Jammy and the proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T both absorb sound well, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This results in a more satisfying sound experience for users of both switches. However, the Jammy's nylon top housing is a classic material known for its ability to enhance sound profiles, while the U4T's proprietary blend is specifically designed to deliver a rich sound, often referred to as "boba plastic."
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jammy's nylon material and the Gazzew U4T's proprietary blend aim to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The softness of these materials allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a more pleasant typing experience for users. While the qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches offer similar results in terms of enhancing sound profiles due to the softness and sound-absorbing qualities of their housing materials.
Overall, the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Gazzew U4T showcase the importance of material composition in achieving a desirable sound profile in mechanical switches. While the Jammy utilizes classic nylon material for both top and bottom housings, the U4T incorporates a proprietary blend specifically designed for rich and deep sound delivery. Despite this distinction, both switches focus on providing users with a satisfying typing experience through the softer and more sound-absorbent qualities of their housing materials. Whether it be the nylon top housing of the Jammy or the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T, users can expect a deep and full sound profile when typing on these switches.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch both have medium actuation forces. The Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams, while the U4T's actuation force is unknown. However, the U4T has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Jammy's 63 grams. In terms of weight, both switches provide a balance between lightness and heaviness, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Jammy, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the U4T's slightly heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience, with the slight difference in bottom out force catering to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jammy will require slightly less distance to actuate compared to the U4T. If you prefer a quicker response time, the Jammy would be the better option. On the other hand, the U4T offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 offers a quieter and more muted typing experience, with a softer 'thock' sound that is pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is deeper and richer, paired with a sharp tactile feedback that enhances the auditory satisfaction of each keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, but the U4T may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced typing sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump that is prominent and provides a strong feedback intensity with each key press. The U4T switch is ideal for users who prefer a more tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump in each keystroke.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jammy switch provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, the U4T switch delivers a deeper and more pronounced sound profile, along with a sharp tactile feedback. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences, with the Jammy being more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the U4T is better suited for users who enjoy a more tactile and assertive keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and regardless of the choice, users can expect quality performance from either option.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter switch, the Jammy with a bottom out force of 63 grams may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the U4T with a bottom out force of 65 grams may be the better choice. Additionally, if you value a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy's soft nylon housings may be appealing to you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, the U4T's bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
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