HMX Jammy vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jammy and the Durock Lupine are two popular choices that cater to different typing preferences. The Jammy is a linear switch known for its softer nylon housings and medium-weight feel, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine is also a linear switch but stands out for its two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine has a classic clacky sound profile that many users enjoy. While the Jammy is best suited for those who prefer a softer and more subtle typing experience, the Lupine is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jammy features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Durock Lupine has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. The aesthetic difference between the two is also notable, with polycarbonate being clear and thus more suitable for RGB lighting effects. Both materials offer different auditory experiences, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Jammy and Durock Lupine feature a nylon bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The qualities brought by the bottom housing are evident in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Despite utilizing the same material for the bottom housing, each switch may still offer a unique typing experience based on other factors such as stem and spring design.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the HMX Jammy and Durock Lupine differ, the key qualities of each housing material are still present in both switches. The distinction between the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches compared to the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Lupine creates a varied typing experience for users. Whether choosing the Jammy with its nylon housing for a rounder sound or the Lupine with its polycarbonate housing for a clearer sound, both switches offer unique auditory and aesthetic features to cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a medium weight typing experience. The Jammy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Lupine, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Lupine is slightly heavier at 62 grams, while the Jammy has a bottom out force of 63 grams. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Jammy. Overall, both switches provide a balanced typing experience, with the Jammy leaning towards a lighter feel and the Lupine offering a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that when users press down on the keys of keyboards equipped with either of these switches, they will experience the same amount of travel distance. This consistency ensures that users will get similar tactile feedback and typing experience regardless of whether they choose the Jammy or the Lupine switch. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, and users can expect the same level of performance from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 HMX Jammy linear switch offers a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to its softer nylon housing. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound profile, attributed to its two-stage long springs. The Jammy switch's sound profile remains unknown, but compared to the Lupine's neutral and high-pitched sound options, users can expect a unique auditory experience with the Jammy. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying, thanks to its medium-weight characteristics. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a consistent weight distribution when pressed down, followed by a powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Jammy switch's feel descriptor remains unknown, but compared to the Lupine's mild and polished characteristics, users can expect a unique tactile sensation while typing. With the Lupine's smooth and refined finish, users can anticipate reduced friction and smooth key travel with these switches.
In conclusion, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users to consider. While the Jammy provides a softer and deeply satisfying typing experience, the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound profile and consistent weight distribution. Whether choosing between the two switches or opting for a similar option, users should also consider additional factors such as keyboard and keycap choices to fully customize their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a typing experience that is muted and deeply satisfying with a medium bottom out force, the Jammy may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a two-stage long spring that provides a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on rebound, along with a classic clacky sound profile, then the Lupine may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you prefer in a linear switch.
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