Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Jelly both stand out in the realm of linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Coral switch is celebrated for its crisp typing feel coupled with a lower-pitched resonance that delivers a sophisticated touch, making every keystroke an absolute pleasure. With a silky smoothness, this switch appeals to those who enjoy nuanced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch offers an equally smooth experience but features a deep, thocky sound signature that many typists find satisfying. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g and excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly switch is perfect for those who seek a responsive and effortless typing experience. Both switches have their unique attributes, providing enthusiasts with compelling options based on their personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Jelly, there are significant contrasts, particularly in their top housings. The Jerrzi Coral's polycarbonate top housing is designed to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This rigidity enhances clarity and resonance, making it a favored choice for those who appreciate a bright auditory response in their typing experience. Furthermore, the translucent characteristic of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, creating a visually appealing effect that accentuates the overall aesthetic of the switch.
In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, which elicits a markedly different sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softer material dampens the sharpness that polycarbonate would typically contribute, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Consequently, the Jelly's top housing offers a more subdued acoustic environment, appealing to users who prefer a gentler typing feel and sound. This difference in material choice significantly shapes the overall auditory and tactile experience offered by each switch.
Interestingly, both the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon for their bottom housings, rendering their bottom-out sound and feel relatively comparable. Since both switches use the same material for this component, users can expect a similar depth and fullness in the bottoming out sound regardless of the top housing material. This similarity ensures that while the top housings produce distinct sounds, the impact of the bottom housings harmonizes their experiences, providing a rounded auditory profile with both switches. The unique interplay of hard and soft materials thus crafts a blend of experiences: sharp clarity from the Coral and plush warmth from the Jelly, offering enthusiasts a choice tailored to their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Coral remains unknown. The Coral has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Jelly's 42 grams, making the Coral a potentially better choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Jelly's bottom out force is listed at 48 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which might appeal to users who prefer a stronger push sensation. In summary, if users are looking for a lighter, more manageable force, the Jerrzi Coral is the better option, whereas the HMX Jelly presents a heavier typing experience, especially when considering its actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it's clear that the Coral features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jelly has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that those who favor a more responsive feel will likely prefer the Jerrzi Coral, as it offers a shorter distance, potentially allowing for quicker actuation. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may find the HMX Jelly more to their liking. The difference in travel distance, although minimal, suggests that the Jelly could provide a more deliberate typing experience due to its additional 0.1 mm. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch is characterized by a lower-pitched resonance that provides a rich, mellow sound profile. Its low-pitched quality contributes to a more subdued auditory experience with a crispness that enhances the clarity of each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch also features a deep, thocky sound signature, which is reminiscent of a satisfying thud when keys are pressed. Both switches share a common trait of being low-pitched, making them well-suited for users who prefer a sound profile that is grounded and not overly sharp or high-frequency. However, the exact nature of the sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard setup and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Coral switch stands out with its silky smoothness, providing a particularly fluid typing experience that minimizes any resistance during key presses and releases. This silky feel contributes to a refined typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. The Jelly switch, with its exceptional factory lubrication, also promises a smooth experience, though a specific tactile description of its feel is not provided. Given the Coral’s reputation for its smoothness and the Jelly’s factory lube, enthusiasts can expect both switches to deliver an overall smooth typing feel, albeit with potentially different subtleties in the sensation.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Jelly linear switches present appealing auditory and tactile qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Users will enjoy the satisfying low-pitched sound profiles of both switches, while the smooth typing experiences provided by their unique designs cater to different preferences. If you appreciate a sleek typing experience accompanied by a rich, low-frequency sound, either switch could serve your needs effectively, though the nuanced differences might appeal differently depending on personal preference and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Jelly linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you are after a switch that embodies a smooth and silky feel, paired with a low-pitched sound that promotes a sophisticated typing experience, the Jerrzi Coral is your best bet. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for both everyday typing and focused work sessions, allowing for a more pleasurable keystroke as you glide from one key to the next without any resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more tactile feedback with a thocky sound signature while still enjoying a lightweight actuation force, the HMX Jelly switch may be more suitable for you. Its deep, resonant audio profile and user-friendly 48 grams bottom-out force cater well to those seeking an enjoyable balance of sound and responsiveness in their typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you anticipate using your keyboard—whether for prolonged typing sessions, casual gaming, or a combination of both—allowing you to create the most satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.