HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly when contrasting the HMX Jelly and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its ultra-smooth keystrokes and low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a linear switch experience with a 42g actuation force that requires minimal effort. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists alike who seek responsiveness and fluidity without tactile feedback interfering with their flow. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile feel, blending the comfort of a classic keystroke with contemporary design features. Its medium-heavy weight and single-stage spring provide satisfying resistance, while its high-precision molds ensure consistency and durability. This makes the Jupiter Brown perfect for users who appreciate a tactile bump for added feedback while typing or gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches, the most striking difference lies in their top housing compositions. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's softer nature. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown incorporates polycarbonate in its top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate not only yields a more resonant sound but also results in an aesthetic advantage; its translucency makes it particularly suited for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual appeal of illuminated setups. Hence, while the Jelly’s nylon top fosters a more muffled auditory experience, the Jupiter Brown’s polycarbonate top is engineered for clarity and brightness in sound.

Both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing, as both employ nylon material. This similarity ensures that the overall sound profile when bottoming out a key remains consistent across both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, providing a pleasing tactile experience irrespective of the differing top housings. When actuated, users will appreciate this unified bottom housing quality as it dampens vibrations more effectively than harder plastics, allowing for a smooth and satisfying keystroke. Thus, while the top sound characteristics diverge significantly, the bottom characteristics converge to provide a shared auditory experience when the switch is fully pressed.

The combined effect of these materials in the HMX Jelly and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches creates a nuanced typing experience where the differences in sound profiles are amplified or diminished depending on which note is played during use. While the Jelly's nylon top creates warmer tones when releasing keys, the sharpness of the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate adds clarity. The nylon bottoms in both switches contribute to a similar, full-bodied feel when typing, which means users can still enjoy a consistent experience despite the variations in material at the top. Ultimately, this blend of materials means that one can achieve varied sound profiles while experiencing the familiar depth and richness associated with nylon in both switches' bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Jelly requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option that's well-suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown has a significantly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This increased resistance provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users may find preferable. Therefore, for those who favor a lighter touch, the HMX Jelly is the superior choice, while individuals looking for a firmer response should opt for the Gateron Jupiter Brown. Overall, these differing actuation and bottom out forces cater to distinct user preferences, highlighting the importance of selecting the right switch based on typing style and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we find that the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Jupiter Brown measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Jelly switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may cater to users who prefer quicker response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, might appeal more to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, contributing to a satisfying tactile experience. Overall, while both switches serve their distinct user preferences, the Jelly is designed for faster action, while the Jupiter Brown provides a more substantial feedback feel with its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound, creating a rich auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. This depth is often considered more satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced audio feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch generates a more subdued sound profile, typical of tactile switches, which is generally milder and offers a more understated keystroke noise. It's important to note that the sound each switch produces can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps, so individual experiences may vary.

When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch excels with a remarkably smooth keystroke experience, largely attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This creates an effortless typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without much resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a more complex tactile experience. Described as mild, polished, and stepped, these switches highlight a gentle tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience without being overly pronounced. This blend of a polished finish with a stepped feel ensures that while there is some tactile feedback, it remains accessible to a wide range of typists, making it comfortable yet responsive.

Overall, both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jelly's low-pitched thock and smooth action will appeal to those who enjoy a blend of auditory and tactile satisfaction, while the Jupiter Brown's more understated sound and gentle tactile bump cater to typists who prefer a balanced and refined keystroke. Ultimately, whether you choose the Jelly for its thocky resonance and effortless gliding or the Jupiter Brown for its mild tactile feedback and polished finish, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, just in distinctly different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, your choice should hinge on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a lightweight switch that offers exceptional smoothness with its 42g actuation force and produces a low-pitched, deep thock sound, then the Jelly is likely the better fit. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy fast-paced gaming or quick typing, where every press feels effortless and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional mechanical feel with a tactile bump—paired with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams—the Jupiter Brown would be your go-to. Its mild and polished characteristics make it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions, providing both comfort and feedback without being overly harsh. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear experience or a tactile feedback sensation as you type, so consider your own needs and preferences carefully.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more