Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jelly represent two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel distance and the unique balance it strikes between the tactile feedback of a traditional mechanical switch and the smoothness typically found in laptop keyboards. With a pleasant combination of clackiness and mildness, it's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a polished typing experience that feels both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch offers a completely different auditory experience with its low-pitched, thocky sound profile, making it a standout for users who gravitate towards a deeper acoustic feedback while typing. This switch is also engineered for smoothness and is lightweight, requiring only a 42g actuation force, which can make long typing sessions feel effortless. While both switches excel in their own right, they cater to different preferences in sound, feel, and performance. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jelly, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This distinctive material results in a satisfying, clacky sound that many users find appealing, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feedback. In contrast, the HMX Jelly, with its nylon top and bottom housings, offers a sound experience that is deeper and fuller. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a rounder acoustic profile, which contrasts sharply with the higher-pitched clarity of the Ink Yellow.
Both switches offer unique tactile experiences impacted by their respective housing materials. The impact of the Ink Yellow’s INK blend can lead to a consistent clacky sound across various typing styles, emphasizing the auditory feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly’s nylon housing may provide a textural and tonal contrast, resulting in a sound that feels more subdued and solid with each press. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users of the Ink Yellow would experience a notable high-pitched tone, while the Jelly would yield a fuller, more rounded sound that may be preferable for those who dislike sharp auditory feedback.
In assessing these two switches on a broader spectrum, each offers distinct benefits suited to different user preferences. If you're looking for a high-pitched, clacky experience with more pronounced sound feedback, the Gateron Ink Yellow is more aligned with those tastes. Conversely, for users favoring a more muted, deeper sound while typing, the HMX Jelly would be an advantageous choice. While the materials lead to divergent auditory results, both switches can deliver satisfying tactile feedback; thus, users might achieve comparable satisfying typing experiences depending on their vocal sound preferences, despite the differences in sound signatures derived from their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite noticeable. The Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly has a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who appreciate a lighter touch, perfect for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Thus, those who favor a lighter switch should opt for the Jelly, while users seeking a stronger feel may find the Ink Yellow better suited to their preferences. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter switch, while the Ink Yellow is heavier, leading to distinct typing experiences that cater to different user needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Ink Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jelly has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer a quicker response time due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience while typing, as it provides a bit more depth before bottoming out. Consequently, those seeking nimbleness and efficiency in their keystrokes might lean toward the Ink Yellow, whereas those who favor a more substantial feel would likely prefer the Jelly.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Jelly linear switches, each offers a distinct auditory experience. The Ink Yellow showcases a combination of neutral and clacky sound profiles. This means that while the switch maintains a moderate volume suitable for a variety of settings, the clackiness provides a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is best known for its low-pitched and deep thocky sound signature. This sound is generally more subdued compared to the Ink Yellow, presenting a warmer and softer auditory experience. It’s important to note that sound can be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, but these inherent qualities create a clear distinction in how each switch can complement different environments or personal preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow possesses a mild and polished touch. The mild nature means that it offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned typists. The polished finish enhances this experience by ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a refined typing feel. In contrast, details about the feel of the HMX Jelly linear switch are currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare its tactile feedback against that of the Ink Yellow. However, the Jelly's reputation for being super smooth due to excellent factory lube suggests it may also provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit without specific descriptors to elaborate further.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and HMX Jelly switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ink Yellow offers a balance of clackiness and moderate sound that can adapt to various typing scenarios, alongside a comfortable and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Jelly’s low-pitched thocky sound could appeal to those who prefer a quieter keystroke without sacrificing smoothness. While the distinct qualities of the Jelly switch remain to be fully explored, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience depending on individual tastes and requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing experience and sound. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel and a more pronounced sound profile, the Ink Yellow switch is your best bet. Its clacky and neutral sound makes it suitable for a variety of settings, from work to gaming, providing a smooth yet engaging typing experience. This switch is particularly advantageous if you're looking for a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, if a lighter actuation force and a deeper, more thocky sound resonate with you, the Jelly switch is the way to go. Its lightweight nature and excellent factory lube will grant you a super smooth keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy rapid typing or gaming sessions. The Jelly switches' low pitch sound can also be less intrusive, making them perfect for quieter environments or lengthy typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a clackier, more tactile feedback with heavier resistance or a lighter, more subdued sound that allows for effortless typing.
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