HMX Gravel vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and HMX Jelly both stand out as exceptional linear options, each appealing to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gravel is renowned for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side—perfect for users who enjoy a responsive touch with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jelly offers a unique low-pitched, deep thocky sound, combined with an ultra-smooth feel thanks to its excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it a great choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While both switches provide effortless and enjoyable experiences, they cater to different sensory preferences; the Gravel focuses on a seamless tactile sensation, whereas the Jelly emphasizes an engaging acoustic profile. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and HMX Jelly switches utilize different materials for their top housings, creating distinct sound profiles during operation. The Gravel's polycarbonate top housing is designed to produce a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate. This softness of the material contributes to its ability to resonate more effectively, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting, as clear housings are typically made from polycarbonate. Conversely, the HMX Jelly's top housing is made from nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound rather than project it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a softer and more rounded auditory experience. The divergence in sound characteristics from these two materials reflects their contrasting effects on the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the HMX Gravel and HMX Jelly share the same material: nylon. This commonality in composition means that both switches will exhibit similar sound absorption properties, leading to a deeper and warmer sound quality when the keys bottom out. The nylon bottom housing helps to create that cohesive, fuller sound profile regardless of the differing top materials. In terms of tactile feedback upon actuation, both switches will provide enhanced cushioning due to nylon's softer nature, allowing for a satisfying keystroke experience while typing.
In summary, the key difference in the HMX Gravel and HMX Jelly lies in their top housing materials, influencing the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced during typing. While the Gravel's polycarbonate top produces a brighter sound, the Jelly's nylon top introduces a mellower tone. Despite this contrast, both switches benefit from the nylon material in their bottom housings, which equalizes sound absorption and results in a similar bottoming-out experience. Thus, users can expect distinct auditory and tactile experiences when engaging with these switches, each tailored to personal preferences based on their choice of top housing material.
Weight
The HMX Gravel and HMX Jelly linear switches both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. The Gravel features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jelly offers an even lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Therefore, the Jelly switch is the lighter option between the two. Both switches allow for a comfortable typing experience, but the Gravel's slightly heavier forces may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feedback while typing. Users who favor the lighter feel will likely find both switches satisfactory, as they are close in terms of actuation forces, but the Jelly is a better match for those specifically seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gravel switch is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more efficient typing experience. In contrast, the Jelly switch, with its longer travel distance, could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, as it provides a hearty depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; those favoring quicker actuation will likely prefer the Gravel, whereas those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke might lean towards the Jelly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 HMX Gravel switch is known for offering a pleasant, smooth auditory experience, though the specific sound profile is not detailed in the information provided. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke. It’s important to note that the overall sound production of a mechanical switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's build, materials, and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel switch excels with its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, offering a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side. This results in a responsive and effortless typing experience that many find desirable. Conversely, the Jelly switch is also lightweight, featuring a 42g actuation force alongside its amazing factory lubrication, which further enhances its smoothness. Both switches promote a comfortable typing experience, but the Gravel could be slightly more refined in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and HMX Jelly switches provide smooth and satisfying typing experiences, although they present different auditory characteristics. While the Gravel emphasizes an overall refined feel with its medium-light actuation force, the Jelly offers a unique low-pitched sound and lightweight action that can also cater to those looking for ease of typing. Users can expect to enjoy similarities in the smoothness and responsiveness of both switches, but will need to consider the distinct auditory profile of each when making a choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Gravel linear switch or the HMX Jelly linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the sensory experience you seek. If you prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing feel and a responsive experience, the Gravel switch, with its 50g bottom-out force and medium-light actuation, may be the better choice for you. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a consistent and reliable keystroke without any unwarranted resistance. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a low-pitched, deep thocky sound and are looking for an ultra-smooth experience enhanced by the excellent factory lube, the Jelly switch, which features an even lighter 48g bottom-out force, would be more suited to your taste. The Jelly is tailored for users who relish auditory satisfaction in their keystrokes, combined with a lighter actuation that can make rapid typing even more effortless. Therefore, your decision should be guided by whether you value a smooth, slightly heavier feel or a lightweight, acoustically rich typing experience.
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