HMX Jelly vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Jerrzi Orange offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, and thocky sound signature, providing a super smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lube. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g, it appeals to users who prioritize comfort and subtlety in their typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switches are characterized by their clacky, vibrant feel, delivering a crisp and audible feedback with every keystroke. This makes them an exciting choice for enthusiasts who crave a more animated and responsive typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean toward the deep, melodic resonance of the Jelly or the lively, engaging sound of the Orange. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Orange switches showcase distinct choices in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. Nylon’s relatively softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Orange is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of materials can shape the overall typing experience; the Jelly focuses on warmth and sound absorption, whereas the Orange emphasizes clarity and resonance.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Orange utilize nylon, which leads to a consistent auditory foundation across both switches. The nylon bottom housing in both cases contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, much like in their top housing counterpart. This shared material means that while the top housing may create differing sound characteristics, the bottom housing's influence will provide a uniform feel and sound when bottoming out. Typing on either switch will therefore deliver a rounder auditory experience upon key press, as the nylon material effectively absorbs sound and minimizes harshness, aligning both switches more closely in that respect.
Overall, while the HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Orange employ different materials for their top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees that both switches will relay a similar experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect to enjoy a balance of sound characteristics: the Jelly will excel in creating a deeper auditory experience due to its nylon top, while the Orange will shine with a higher-pitched clarity by virtue of its polycarbonate top. Ultimately, both designs demonstrate how the interplay between housing materials can create unique yet compatible typing experiences, catering to different preferences without sacrificing quality in the acoustics delivered during use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option, which can benefit users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions by reducing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Orange switch features a lower actuation force of 37 grams, which indicates it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, further positioning it as a lighter alternative. However, the bottom out force for the Orange switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare its bottoming out resistance to that of the Jelly. Therefore, while the Jelly presents a firmer key feel with its heavier bottom out force, the Orange's lighter actuation force may appeal to those seeking a more effortless typing experience. Overall, the Jelly switch is heavier overall with a definitive bottom out force, while the Orange switch is lighter with an unknown bottom out characteristic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Jelly switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Jerrzi Orange the shorter of the two options, which may provide gamers with a quicker response time, aligning with the trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced performance. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus a hearty feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
In terms of sound, the Jelly switch delivers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which can be quite satisfying for users who prefer a more muted acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch has a clacky tonal quality, characterized by its crisp and bright sound that creates a lively auditory environment. While both switches provide a unique sound experience, the Jelly's deeper thock offers a contrast to the Orange’s sharper, percussive notes. It's important to note that the sound profile can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material, which can lead to varying experiences.
Moving on to the feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth action, likely attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and lighter actuation force of 42g, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange switch distinguishes itself with a feathery and easy-to-press sensation, requiring minimal effort due to its lightweight nature. This softness is conducive to effortless typing and can help mitigate finger fatigue during extended periods of use. While both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, the Jelly emphasizes a smooth glide, whereas the Orange focuses on an easily actuated feel.
Overall, when comparing the HMX Jelly and Jerrzi Orange linear switches, they each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jelly's deep thocky sound contrasts sharply with the Orange's crisp and clacky tones, appealing to those who desire a more subdued yet plush typing experience versus a lively and energetic one. In terms of feel, both switches prioritize lightweight action, with the Jelly offering a buttery smooth experience and the Orange delivering an effortlessly responsive experience. While they may vary in their acoustic and tactile characteristics, each switch can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you favor a smooth, lightweight experience with a satisfying thocky sound and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Jelly is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who want a quieter, more subdued sound while enjoying a fluid typing feel—ideal for work or studying in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively, responsive typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Orange might be your best bet. Its feathery touch makes it incredibly comfortable for extended use, particularly for gamers and enthusiasts who relish the auditory feedback of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a smooth, deep sound and feeling over a more pronounced, vibrant typing experience.