HMX Jammy vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Jammy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a unique typing experience. The Jammy is lauded for its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its use of POK in the stem and bottom housing, delivering a smooth and creamy typing experience with a distinctive high-pitched and clacky sound. While the Jammy offers a medium-weight feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches are quite different in terms of composition and sound profile. The Jammy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch uses a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This contrast showcases how different materials can significantly impact the auditory experience of typing on mechanical keyboards.
In terms of durability and feel, the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches also show distinct characteristics. The Jammy's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing boasts exceptional strength, wear resistance, and shock resistance. The POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, providing a solid foundation for a sturdy and reliable typing experience. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the longevity and overall performance of a switch.
Overall, while the HMX Jammy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches may have different housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. The Jammy's nylon top housing offers a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the high-pitched and clacky sound signature of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend. However, both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience. Whether it be nylon for a fuller sound or a proprietary blend for a clacky feel, both switches ultimately deliver on their promise to elevate the auditory and tactile elements of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both categories. The Jammy switch has an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would provide a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Jammy switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the better option, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Jammy switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out force would provide a more substantial typing feel, catering to users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Jammy being slightly longer than the Vanilla Ice Cream. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Jammy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 switch offers a muted and satisfying typing experience, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The Jammy switch is known for its softer nylon housings, resulting in a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing produces a unique and crisp sound that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Jammy appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience and the Vanilla Ice Cream suiting those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy switch has a reputation for providing a medium-weight typing experience that is described as deeply satisfying. The Jammy switch's nylon housings contribute to a smooth and comfortable feel while typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its smooth and creamy sensation, reminiscent of the dessert it is named after. The use of POK material in the switch enhances the overall typing experience, offering typists a buttery and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a pleasing tactile feedback that distinguishes them from other linear switches on the market.
Overall, the HMX Jammy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with its softer nylon housings, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature alongside a smooth and creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, typists can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Jammy linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch with its 63 grams may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its 48 grams bottom out force might be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switch with its softer nylon housing is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy feel, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the POK material used in the stem and bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing force, feel, and sound when selecting between these two unique linear switches. Choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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