Keygeek Briny vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and HMX Jelly stand out as two noteworthy options in the realm of linear switches. The Briny is renowned for its balanced sound profile, which is achieved through its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly offers a distinctly different tactile experience with its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, enhanced by exceptional factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force that provides a smooth keystroke for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Both switches have their own appeal: the Briny for its understated sound and robust build quality, and the Jelly for its auditory richness and effortless actuation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
T2
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jelly both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, making them quite similar in terms of material composition. Nylon's unique properties allow for a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a defining characteristic of both switches. Since both switches feature nylon components, users can expect comparable auditory experiences; the softer plastic of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more subdued and rounded sound when typing. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches will perform similarly when it comes to the acoustic properties that typists often prioritize.
Despite the similarities in materials, the tactile experience offered by the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jelly could diverge based on other design aspects beyond just the nylon housing. While the nylon components may provide a similar sound profile, the overall tuning of the switches, such as the spring type and stem design, can significantly influence the feel and response when a key is pressed. In terms of feedback and actuation, nuances in design could lead to a distinct typing experience. Therefore, while the sound characteristics induced by the nylon material remain consistent across both switches, the tactile feedback can still vary depending on these other design factors.
Furthermore, the importance of the housing material cannot be overstated, as it ultimately contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel during use. The impact of the bottom housing is primarily felt when a key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing the key. Since both the Briny and Jelly are constructed from the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, they will likely share the same qualities regarding their sound output upon bottoming out and releasing the keys. Hence, users can expect similar aural results regardless of the switch they choose, reinforcing the notion that while switch performance could vary in feel, the acoustic properties remain consistent due to their shared nylon composition.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Jelly is lighter, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Jelly would be the better choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the sturdier Briny switch. Overall, the Briny is the heavier option, while the Jelly is lighter, making them suited for different user preferences based on the desired force feedback and comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Briny offers a shorter overall travel, making it potentially more responsive for users who prioritize quick key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Jelly, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth when typing, allowing for a potentially more tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Briny would be the better choice, whereas the Jelly would suit users who enjoy a deeper key press sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, which typically provides a harmonious blend of auditory feedback without being overly harsh or pronounced. This versatility allows it to suit various environments, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more muted sound experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly linear switch distinguishes itself with a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, especially appealing to those who enjoy a richer acoustic feedback when typing. The distinct sound characteristics of both switches can be further influenced by additional factors such as the specific type of keyboard they are mounted on and the keycap materials used, so users can expect varying results based on their setup.
Regarding feel, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is often appreciated for its smooth actuation, although specifics about its tactile response may not be widely discussed. This quality provides a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, which is a hallmark of linear switches. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for being super smooth, enhanced by its excellent factory lubrication, and it features a lightweight actuation force of 42g. This combination allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making the Jelly a great option for those who favor speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Ultimately, while both the Keygeek Briny and the HMX Jelly switches offer unique characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Briny’s balanced sound profile and pleasant smoothness make it a solid choice for users who appreciate a more even auditory experience, whereas the Jelly's deep thocky sound and lightweight actuation are ideal for those seeking a tactile and gratifying response. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch could potentially provide a satisfying typing experience, and if you're looking for the best of both worlds, keep in mind that experimenting with keycap choices and keyboard designs may yield similar results regardless of your final switch selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding switch feel, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force with a balanced sound profile that caters well to both typing and gaming, the Briny is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance while ensuring that your keystrokes feel deliberate and controlled. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter touch with an emphasis on smoothness and a deep, thocky sound signature, the Jelly is the way to go. With its 48-gram bottom-out force and superior factory lubrication, the Jelly offers a velvety smooth experience that can make long typing sessions feel effortless. Ultimately, choose the Briny for a well-rounded experience that balances feel and sound, and opt for the Jelly if you desire that addictive smoothness paired with a rich auditory feedback.
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