HMX Jammy vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a significant role, and two notable options from HMX are the Jammy and the Vintage Citrus, both linear switches but with distinct characteristics. The HMX Jammy is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. Designed with medium weight, this switch caters to users who appreciate a balanced feel during long typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire keyboard inputs with precision. Its bright, clacky sound profile combined with a remarkably smooth push feel offers an engaging experience for fast-paced gaming. While both switches cater to different types of users—those who prioritize a cushioned, enjoyable typing experience versus those seeking quick responsiveness—each has its unique appeal. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Jammy and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their construction. Both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic material in switch design. This choice of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Consequently, users can expect an enriched acoustic experience when typing on either the Jammy or the Vintage Citrus due to the inherent sound-dampening qualities of nylon, which helps produce a duller and rounder tonal output.
While the materials are consistent across both switch models, the overall typing experience may slightly vary depending on the characteristics of the specific housings. Although both the Jammy and the Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for their top and bottom sections, the user may perceive differences in feel due to the alignment and engineering of the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound and experience upon release. As both switches share the same nylon composition, they fundamentally produce similar auditory outcomes, but subtle variations in switch design could lead to unique tactile experiences for the user.
Ultimately, the common use of nylon in both the HMX Jammy and Vintage Citrus ensures that users will enjoy a comparable sound profile, with each model reflecting the distinctive qualities inherent to nylon switches. This uniformity means that those who appreciate the rich, rounded acoustics and tactile feedback characteristic of nylon housing can confidently expect similar performance from either switch. Thus, while nuances between the models may provide slight variations in feel and responsiveness, the reliance on nylon guarantees consistent sound quality and typing pleasure in both the HMX Jammy and the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence typing experiences. The Jammy requires a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a better fit for users who prefer a more substantial, tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Jammy is the heavier of the two switches, making it more suitable for users who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the Vintage Citrus offers a lighter touch, appealing to those looking for a more effortless typing experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches suggest that users should choose based on their personal preferences for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Jammy featuring a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the shorter 3 mm distance of the Vintage Citrus. This difference means that users of the Jammy will experience a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to those who prefer a hearty depth and a more tactile feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for gamers or those who favor quicker, more responsive key presses. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards faster response times and a snappier feel, the Vintage Citrus might be the ideal choice, while the Jammy will provide a more deliberate and pronounced actuation.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The HMX Jammy linear switch produces a muted sound profile, making it a more subdued option for typists who prefer less auditory feedback during their writing sessions. This softer auditory characteristic is complemented by its glittery nylon housing, which contributes to a clean and restrained acoustics when bottoming out or releasing the key. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, designed specifically to enhance the rapid-fire inputs that gamers often require. The pronounced audibility of the Vintage Citrus can be particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more dynamic sound from their mechanical keyboard, especially when engaging in fast-paced gameplay.
When it comes to feel, the Jammy switch offers a medium-weight typing experience that strikes a balance, making it both satisfying and comfortable for long typing sessions. Its softer feel allows for a relaxed typing posture while still providing enough resistance to maintain precision. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which enables effortless key presses that cater to gamers looking for speed and quick response times. Its smooth push feel is specifically engineered for rapid inputs, ensuring that users can execute commands swiftly without any physical strain.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jammy and Vintage Citrus switches cater to different user preferences, they each provide unique qualities. The Jammy is well-suited for users who value a muted sound and a comfortable medium-weight feel, whereas the Vintage Citrus excels in environments that demand quick response times and an audible sound feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a softer auditory experience or a more pronounced sound and quicker actuation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, selecting between the HMX Jammy and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a slightly heavier keystroke and values a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience, then the Jammy switch might be the right choice for you. Its medium weight and softer nylon housing provide a more cushioned feel, making it suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you're a gamer focused on speed and precision, the Vintage Citrus switch should be your go-to. With its lower actuation force and quicker response time, this switch is engineered for rapid inputs, providing that signature clacky sound and an incredibly smooth push feel that many gamers crave. Ultimately, your decision should factor in whether you prioritize typing comfort or quickened key response for gaming prowess.
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