HMX Jammy vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer different but equally appealing experiences. The Jammy is a linear switch, known for its softer nylon housings and medium weight, providing a typing experience that is both quiet and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a light touch, making it a balanced option for those seeking a satisfying typing feel. While the Jammy offers a muted typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, we see that the Jammy features a nylon top housing, while the Violet Gold Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the Jammy results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic difference is also notable, with the translucent nature of polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Jammy and the Violet Gold Pro feature nylon bottom housings. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects seen in the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. The consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout the typing experience, showcasing the classic qualities of this switch housing material.
When different materials are used for the top and bottom housings of a switch, the qualities of each material can be felt in different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, impacting the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when a key is released, affecting the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether using nylon or polycarbonate, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the feel and sound quality, providing users with unique typing experiences based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Jammy requires a heavier touch for actuation at 57 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Jammy is 63 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The Jammy offers a medium resistance for both actuation and bottoming out, making it suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro may appeal to users who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired weight for keystroke activation.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the difference in distance is minimal, it may still be noticeable to some users. The Jammy switch may offer a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for a variety of typing environments. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy switch is known for its softer nylon housing, providing a unique typing experience. The Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch, on the other hand, offers a stepped tactile feel with two distinct stages to the keystroke. While the Jammy switch offers a smooth linear typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switch provides a more tactile feel for those who prefer feedback during typing.
Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Jammy switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches are quality options that can provide a balanced and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a typing experience that is both satisfying and muted, the HMX Jammy linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium tactility and a light touch, making it ideal for a balanced typing experience, then the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel. Take into consideration what factors are most important to you when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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