Durock Ice King Linear vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, courtesy of its full nylon construction and factory lube, making it ideal for those who enjoy a frictionless and polished feel. On the other hand, the Jammy provides a softer typing experience with medium-weight switches housed in glittery nylon, offering a muted yet deeply satisfying feel. 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
52g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jammy utilize nylon as their housing material, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Ice King Linear and the Jammy are both constructed from nylon, any differences in sound profile and feel between the two switches can be attributed to the design and construction of their respective housings. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on bottom-out sound and feel, will be more prominent when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced difference in housing design allows for a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches, despite their shared material.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jammy play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel of each switch. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that is appealing to many users. Whether it's the Ice King Linear or the Jammy, the consistent use of nylon in their housing materials ensures a reliable typing experience with a satisfying sound profile that sets them apart from other switches on the market.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Jammy linear switches, we see that the Ice King requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ice King at 62 grams and the Jammy at 63 grams. This means that while the Ice King may feel lighter to type on initially, both switches offer a similar overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out. The differences in actuation force may result in a slightly faster typing speed on the Ice King for some users, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Jammy for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and desired actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ice King is the shorter option, while the Jammy is the longer one. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable impact on the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Ice King with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Jammy. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference based on desired key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. This creates a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch sound qualities are not specified, but it is important to note that sound can also vary based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. These descriptors highlight the exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that these switches offer, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Jammy linear switch is not specified.
Overall, both the Durock Ice King Linear and HMX Jammy linear switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Ice King Linear switch being specifically highlighted for its silky and polished feel. While the sound qualities of the HMX Jammy switch are unknown, both switches promise to provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will likely come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the HMX Jammy linear switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a silky smooth feel with a slightly subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, the Jammy linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, so the deciding factor comes down to the specific feel and sound profile you desire in your mechanical keyboard switches. Make your decision based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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