HMX Hibiscus vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and the Jerrzi Violet present two distinct yet enticing options tailored for different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience that easily surpasses 80% of all mechanical switches. Its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature adds a delightful auditory element that appeals to those who enjoy a more expressive keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet, characterized as a gentle tactile switch, offers a satisfying tactile bump while maintaining a smooth actuation. Its neutral sound profile ensures a balanced typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a blend of feedback without overwhelming noise. While the Hibiscus may be ideal for those seeking a fluid and lively typing sensation, the Violet caters to those who prefer a tactile yet subtle interaction. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Jerrzi Violet, it's evident that they exhibit distinct characteristics, particularly in their top housing components. The Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing that is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, the sound profile produced by typing on the Hibiscus is duller and rounder, creating a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet employs a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its clarity and resonance, making it a favorite choice for users who prefer a more vivid sound when typing, especially when coupled with RGB lighting.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both the Hibiscus and Violet utilize a nylon bottom housing. This results in each switch offering a deep and full sound profile on the bottom-out actuation, ensuring that users experience a consistent feel and sound when pressing the keys. Since nylon is a classic housing material that effectively absorbs sound, this shared characteristic aligns the acoustic responses when bottoming out the keys across both switches. The deeper sound produced by the nylon bottom housing heightens the tactile experience for users of both switches, making them feel relatively similar during key presses.
In essence, the differences in sound profiles between the HMX Hibiscus and the Jerrzi Violet primarily stem from their top housing materials. While the Hibiscus offers a more subdued auditory feedback due to its nylon top, the Violet’s polycarbonate top ensures a brighter, more resonant sound. However, with both switches incorporating nylon in their bottom component, users will appreciate a uniform tactile and sound experience when bottoming out the keys. This duality in housing materials exemplifies how different plastics can interact to produce unique auditory profiles, while simultaneously providing consistency in the tactile experience during key actuation.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus requires a light actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a good option for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Violet switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though the bottom out force is currently unknown. This potential lack of information on the bottom out force leaves some uncertainty in directly comparing the two switches. However, since the actuation force of both switches is relatively close, users might experience comparable responsiveness when pressing the keys. Overall, the Hibiscus is lighter, while the Violet appears to be heavier, potentially offering a more substantial feel for those who favor a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Violet measures at 3.7 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel for faster key presses, which is advantageous for gaming. Conversely, the Violet's longer travel distance might be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness over a fuller key engagement.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 HMX Hibiscus switch stands out with its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, making it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy an audible feedback experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch presents a neutral sound signature, which offers a more subdued auditory experience. This makes the Violet switch suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're at home or in an office setting, where a less prominent sound is often preferred. It's worth noting that the overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's build quality, the chosen keycaps, and other acoustic factors.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is revered for its unparalleled smoothness, providing an ultra-light actuation force that contributes to a seamless typing experience. This makes it exceptionally easy and pleasurable to type on for extended periods. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a stepped tactile response, where users can sense a distinct bump during the keystroke, providing a more defined feedback as they type. The Violet's tactility offers a gentle reminder of the actuation point, which some may find helpful for typing accuracy, though it doesn’t reach the same level of fluidity as the Hibiscus.
In summary, while the HMX Hibiscus switch excels in smoothness and an engaging sound profile, making it particularly favorable for those who prioritize a lively typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a well-balanced auditory experience paired with a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two may depend on whether you seek a lightweight, smooth action with an engaging sound or prefer a more structured typing experience with a neutral sound. Both switches can cater to different preferences and requirements, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you have access to quality typing experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself drawn to a smooth and lightweight typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice, especially for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a swift actuation and a fun auditory feedback. Its ultra-light actuation force enhances rapid key presses, perfect for those who engage in extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile response and a balanced typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet would serve you well, offering a delightful feel that’s conducive to comfort during long periods of use. The Violet's neutral sound signature and stepped tactile feedback make it versatile enough for both casual and professional settings, allowing you to type comfortably whether you're at home or in an office. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and versatility in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
