HMX Jammy vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Jammy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, you are met with a decision between linear and tactile switches. The Jammy, a linear switch, is best known for its softer nylon housing and medium weight, offering a typing experience that is muted yet deeply satisfying. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, is designed to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and tactility. If you are looking for a switch that offers a muted and satisfying typing experience, the Jammy may be the one for you. However, if you prefer a switch that provides a characterful typing experience with a balanced tactile sensation, the Viola Tricolor could be your go-to choice. Nevertheless, 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
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Jammy's nylon top housing is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their distinct qualities, the nylon top housing of the Jammy offers a more muted and rounded sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing on the Viola Tricolor.
Interestingly, both the Jammy and the Viola Tricolor feature nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to a consistent typing experience across both keyboards. However, the differences in the top housing material still play a crucial role in determining the overall sound characteristics of the switches. While the top housing of the Viola Tricolor enhances the clarity and sharpness of the sound, the nylon top housing of the Jammy maintains a more subdued and rounded tone.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards like the HMX Jammy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor can significantly influence the sound profile and typing experience. While both keyboards share nylon bottom housing for a similar deep and fuller sound, their top housing materials - nylon for the Jammy and polycarbonate for the Viola Tricolor - offer distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with a duller tone (Jammy) or a sharper, clearer sound with a more resonant quality (Viola Tricolor), the choice of housing material can make a noticeable difference in how the keyboard feels and sounds during use.
Weight
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both have a medium actuation force, with the Jammy at 57 grams and the Viola Tricolor at an unknown amount. However, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Jammy's 63 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Viola Tricolor will provide a slightly more substantial feel when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter keypress for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Jammy may be the better option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback may find the Viola Tricolor to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly longer than the HMX Jammy linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored for faster response times, particularly by gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant for most users, as both switches offer a relatively shallow travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference - whether you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel or a slightly shorter distance for quicker response times.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing. The Jammy switch has a softer sound due to its nylon housings, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched tone that resonates with each key press. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance your overall typing experience, depending on your preference for a quieter or more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch provides a smooth and medium-weight typing experience, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a prominent tactility without being overly tactile. The Jammy switch is described as having a satisfying feedback without being too heavy, while the Viola Tricolor switch is accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile sensation that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Both switches offer a different feel that caters to those who prefer a smoother typing experience or a more tactile response during key presses.
Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jammy switch provides a softer and more muted typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a punchier sound and a balanced tactility. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying sensation while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver a great typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Jammy switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a touch of character in the sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when making your decision between these two switches.
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