HMX Jammy vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jammy and the Durock Medium Tactile offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jammy is a linear switch with a softer nylon housing, providing a gentle typing experience that is both quiet and satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch known for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While the Jammy is ideal for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Medium Tactile is favored by those who enjoy a 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Durock Medium Tactile, we see a stark difference between the nylon top housing of the Jammy and the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile. The Jammy's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate material is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Jammy's nylon material offers a classic feel.
While the bottom housings of both the Jammy and the Medium Tactile feature nylon materials, they each bring a similar deep and full sound profile to the switches. The soft nature of nylon plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the top housings of the switches introduce a significant contrast in sound profiles due to the difference in materials. The nylon top housing of the Jammy produces a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound, highlighting the impact of housing material on overall sound quality.
When considering the overall typing experience of the HMX Jammy and Durock Medium Tactile switches, it's essential to recognize the influence of top and bottom housing materials. The split qualities between the two housing components demonstrate the importance of both in creating a unique sound profile for each switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction emphasizes the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, showcasing how the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the Jammy and Medium Tactile switches, respectively, contribute to their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Jammy requires a lighter actuation force of 57 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile is heavier at 65 grams, while the Jammy has a bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jammy, while users seeking a more substantial keystroke may find the Medium Tactile more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Jammy has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jammy offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the particular typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch is known for its muted typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing session. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature, adding a unique auditory element to your typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a softer typing experience with its medium-weight housing, providing a deeply satisfying feel while typing. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as an accented, stepped, mild, and polished switch, offering a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This combination of tactile attributes ensures a pleasant typing experience with each keystroke, allowing for a comfortable and responsive feel while typing.
Overall, the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Jammy switch provides a quieter typing experience with its muted sound and softer feel, the Medium Tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactility and a distinctive jelly-like sound signature. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force and a typing experience that is both subtle and satisfying, the Jammy switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a unique jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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