Gateron Beer vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Beer and the HMX Jelly present two distinct yet appealing options. The Gateron Beer tactile switch, inspired by the effervescent quality of a Tsingtao beer bottle, captures user interest with its eye-catching translucent green design. Its stepped tactile feedback provides a subtler yet satisfying response, enhanced by a clacky sound that many find enjoyable. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a smoother and quieter experience, characterized by a low-pitched thocky sound and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g—perfect for those who prefer seamless keystrokes without tactile interruptions. While the Beer is favored for its distinctive tactile and auditory sensations, the Jelly stands out for its buttery-smooth operation and understated acoustics. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preference between the engaging tactility of the Beer and the silky glide of the Jelly. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and HMX Jelly switches utilize distinct materials for their housings, leading to varying acoustic characteristics and overall user experiences. The Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the HMX Jelly employs a nylon top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that offers a crisper typing experience. In contrast, nylon, being a softer material, tends to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This contrast highlights how the material choice significantly affects the auditory feedback and tactile feel of each switch, defining their identities in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
When considering the aesthetic aspects, the transparency of the Gateron Beer’s polycarbonate housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of a keyboard setup. This translucency is characteristic of polycarbonate, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize lighting effects. Conversely, the HMX Jelly's nylon housing does not offer the same visual clarity, which may appeal more to users who favor the understated aesthetics of a more solid-colored switch. However, this aesthetic difference further differentiates the types of users who gravitate towards each switch, with the Gateron Beer likely attracting more RGB enthusiasts and the HMX Jelly appealing to those who seek a classic look.
In terms of performance, the overall typing experience is a product of both the top and bottom housing materials. With the Gateron Beer utilizing the same polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly’s dual nylon construction delivers a hybrid experience, where the softer material contributes to a more muted sound upon bottoming out but may lose some of the pronounced acoustic feedback when releasing a key. If all else were equal—if both switches used the same materials—the Gateron Beer would provide a sharper and clearer sound profile, whereas the HMX Jelly would cater to those who prefer a mellow and rounded auditory experience. Overall, these housing material differences profoundly shape user preferences and typist experiences, resulting in two distinct offerings in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we can observe some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Beer switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Jelly switch's actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to engage for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches feature relatively light bottom out forces, with the Beer at 50 grams and the Jelly slightly lower at 48 grams. This means that while both switches are generally light, the Beer switch requires less force to actuate, providing a softer touch feel overall, which might appeal to those looking for comfort during extended use. For users seeking a more substantial typing experience, the marginally heavier Jelly switch could provide that more solid sensation, despite both switches being on the lighter end of the spectrum.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we find that the Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jelly measures 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Gateron Beer has a shorter travel distance compared to the HMX Jelly, which offers a bit more depth. The ratings suggest that for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the Beer switch may be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance, promoting a snappier feel during use. Conversely, the Jelly's longer travel distance could appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feedback and don't mind the slight increase in actuation depth. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its signature clacky sound, producing a sharp, snappy, and bright auditory feedback with each key press. This characteristics adds an energizing element to typing, making it both engaging and enjoyable for users who appreciate a more percussive auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch presents a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound profile. This results in a more subdued yet satisfying acoustic experience, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can be influenced by factors like the keyboard layout and keycap material, meaning users could achieve similar results depending on their setup.
In terms of tactile feel, the Beer switch stands out with its lightweight actuation and stepped tactility. This means that users will experience a gentle level of resistance that’s easy to press, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The stepped nature provides a distinct tactile feedback without being overwhelming, allowing for comfortable and responsive typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly linear switch is known for its super smooth feel, complemented by excellent factory lubrication. With a 42g actuation force, it provides a lightweight and effortless keystroke, making it ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and a more fluid typing experience without any tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer and HMX Jelly switches offer distinct audio and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch tends to appeal to those who enjoy a clacky sound and a stepped tactile feedback, while the Jelly excels in providing a smooth, low-pitched auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches emphasize lightweight actuation, making them easy to type on over extended periods, albeit in differing styles. Choosing between them will boil down to whether you value a more pronounced tactile experience or prefer a smoother, quieter typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, your choice largely depends on your preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a lively typing experience with a distinct tactile feedback and a clacky sound, the Beer switch is a fantastic option. Its lightweight design makes for effortless key presses, ideal for casual typing or gaming where quick reactions are key. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience without the tactile bump, the Jelly switch is your go-to. With its deep, thocky sound and super smooth keystrokes, the Jelly excels in environments where a quieter keyboard is essential, such as in an office or during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use; whether you seek the excitement and feedback of the Beer or the refined smoothness of the Jelly will guide you to the right switch for your needs.
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