HMX Hibiscus vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Jelly, both linear switches but with distinct characteristics. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, which exceeds that of 80% of all switches, combined with a notably clacky and crispy sound signature that delivers a unique auditory feedback for users seeking a lively typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound profile paired with an impressively smooth feel, attributed to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches provide smooth performance, they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations, shaping the overall user experience in unique ways. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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 HMX Hibiscus and HMX Jelly both feature a nylon top and bottom housing, which means that they share a unified approach to sound and tactile experience. Since both models utilize nylon for their housings, users can expect a similar acoustic performance characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's inherent properties as a softer plastic, which enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. As a result, both switches produce a relatively duller and rounder sound when activated, making them appealing choices for users who favor a quieter typing experience.
Despite the apparent similarities in housing materials, the impact of the designs may vary based on the specific configurations and quality of each switch. When pressed, the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing will predominantly influence the sensation of bottoming out and the resulting sound it produces. Since both the Hibiscus and Jelly exhibit the same bottom housing composition, users can reasonably anticipate that the feel and auditory feedback at the bottom of the stroke will be nearly identical across both models. Thus, while the overall experience may align closely, minute differences in switch construction could introduce subtle distinctions in tactile feedback and sound.
Moreover, while the top housing also plays a crucial role in shaping the acoustic profile during key release, it, too, remains consistent in both the Hibiscus and Jelly. With both switches utilizing nylon for their top housings, the sound generated upon releasing a key will likely evoke a similar response, upholding the rounded and muted sound quality. This coherence in material choice ultimately assures users of a comparable performance, regardless of individual model preferences. Consequently, anyone contemplating between the Hibiscus and Jelly can expect a uniform experience, both in terms of sound and tactile response, enhancing their overall satisfaction with these switches.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus and HMX Jelly linear switches exhibit identical specifications in both actuation and bottom out forces, with each requiring an actuation force of 42 grams and reaching a bottom out force of 48 grams. This alignment in force metrics means that users will experience similar performance from both switches, making them equally suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, particularly for those who favor a lighter switch feel. Since both switches are categorized as light, they cater to users looking for a gentler keystroke experience without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. Thus, whether one chooses the Hibiscus or the Jelly, the result will be a consistent and comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Jelly linear switches, the Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jelly offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance, making it a more responsive option for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keypress that is less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus switches are characterized by their satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which provides a lively auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches produce a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that tends to resonate more profoundly, creating a notably different auditory atmosphere. It's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard's construction, choice of keycaps, and other acoustic factors, meaning that users may find both switches appealing depending on their preferred auditory environment.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness, making them a delightful choice for those seeking an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switches maintain a super smooth action as a result of their excellent factory lubrication, combined with their lightweight 42g actuation force. However, the Hibiscus switches boast an ultra-light actuation that surpasses 80% of other switches, which may offer a different tactile sensation than the Jelly's lighter resistance.
Overall, both the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Jelly switches provide smooth typing experiences, albeit with distinct sound profiles and actuation forces. While the Hibiscus features a clacky and crisp auditory quality and a very light actuation force, the Jelly presents a deeper thock with a slightly heavier but still lightweight action. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, and users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus and HMX Jelly linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. If you value a light and incredibly smooth typing experience with a clacky, poppy sound that can liven up your typing sessions, the Hibiscus is a fantastic choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force provides a unique typing experience that is satisfying and engaging, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while using their keyboard for both work and fun. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound that conveys a more subdued yet rich auditory experience, the Jelly switch would be the better option for you. With its slightly lighter actuation force and exceptional factory lubrication, it delivers an impressively smooth keystroke that can make long typing sessions feel effortless, making it perfect for typists who value consistency over an engaging sound profile. Therefore, your decision ultimately hinges on whether you lean towards a vibrant, poppy sound with the Hibiscus or a deep, resonant thock with the Jelly; both offer smoothness and light actuation but cater to different auditory and tactile preferences.
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