SP-Star Ayara vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and HMX Jammy both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ayara is a linear switch known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Jammy, also a linear switch, features softer nylon housings that offer a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. While the Ayara is categorized as neutral, high-pitched, polished, the Jammy's characteristics are not specified. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Two-stage
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the HMX Jammy both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings of the switches. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon housing. Therefore, the sound experience on both the Ayara and the Jammy switches is likely to be quite similar due to the shared housing material.
While both the Ayara and the Jammy switches feature nylon top and bottom housing, the impact of each housing material may vary slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This distinction means that although both switches use the same material for their housing, there may be subtle differences in the typing experience depending on the specific design and construction of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. By utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, the Ayara and Jammy switches offer a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the impact of the housing material may be split between the top and bottom of the switch, the overall result is likely to be consistent in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback for both switches.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch have some differences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes without applying much pressure, while the Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when typing. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ayara at 62 grams and the Jammy at 63 grams, giving them a medium resistance when fully pressed. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ayara for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier actuation force of the Jammy for a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jammy has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ayara. A 0.3 mm might not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Players looking for quicker response times may prefer the Jammy with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Ayara. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The HMX Jammy comes in at $3.49 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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Both switches are bound to offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Ayara being slightly higher-pitched.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ayara offers a polished typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the HMX Jammy, the feel of the switch is unknown, so it's challenging to compare it directly with the Ayara in terms of tactile feedback. However, with its softer nylon housings, users can expect a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience from the Jammy switch.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Ayara linear switch excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a polished typing feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its glittery nylon housings. Both switches cater to users who prefer a medium-weight switch, providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Ayara and the Jammy will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted and deeply satisfying typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, the Jammy with its glittery nylon housings is the way to go. Ultimately, the Ayara is best suited for those who appreciate a polished and refined switch, while the Jammy provides a softer and quieter typing experience. So, consider these factors when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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