HMX Jelly vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face the challenge of choosing the right one for their typing and gaming preferences. The HMX Jelly switches are celebrated for their smooth, tactile experience, offering a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a rich auditory feedback while typing. With a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, these linear switches make for an effortless typing experience, perfect for long hours of use. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches present a unique option with their hall effect mechanism, producing a clean and low sound that sets them apart from traditional mechanical switches. Designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, the Lavenders combine innovative technology with functional design, catering to those who prioritize responsiveness and precision. While the Jelly switches excel in smoothness and sound, the Lavender HE offers reliability and a distinctive typing feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Neo Lavender HE both utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, establishing a solid foundation in terms of material characteristics and resulting audio profiles. As a classic housing material, nylon is known for its softer qualities, which significantly influence the sound produced during typing. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as the nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, users of both the HMX Jelly and the Neo Lavender HE can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, making them appealing options for those who prefer a more muted typing experience.
In analyzing the individual contributions of each switch's housing, it becomes clear that the uniform choice of nylon for both the top and bottom housings in both switches leads to a harmonized sound response. Since both switches exhibit similar material properties, users will find the tactile experience consistent, as the attributes of the nylon are inherently retained throughout. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, while the nylon top housing impacts the acoustic feedback upon releasing a key. Therefore, regardless of whether a user opts for the HMX Jelly or the Neo Lavender HE, they will enjoy a similarly cohesive typing experience that prioritizes sound absorption and feedback.
Despite their identical materials, users may still perceive slight differences in tactile feedback or auditory nuances based on the specific design elements or manufacturing processes of each switch. If there are variations in the internal components or stem design, these could impact the overall typing experience, even as the housing materials remain consistent. Nevertheless, both switches promise a rich and satisfying typing experience characterized by the unique combination of their nylon housings, allowing users to enjoy the acoustics and feedback that come with a classic switch material. Hence, whether one chooses the HMX Jelly or the Neo Lavender HE, the familiar nylon quality ensures a harmonious experience that caters to users desiring sound depth and comfort while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both options ultimately deliver a light typing experience. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lavender HE offers a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams and a marginally higher bottom out force of 50 grams. While the actuation forces are close, with the Jelly being slightly heavier, the bottom out forces diverge a bit more, with the Jelly being lighter than the Lavender HE. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Jelly is the better choice due to its overall lighter actuation and bottom out forces. However, for those leaning towards a more substantial feel while typing, the comparatively heavier bottom out force of the Lavender HE might provide that tactile feedback they seek. Ultimately, while both switches cater to lighter preferences, the Jelly is the lighter option overall when considering both actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth with both switches. This equal travel distance results in similar tactile feedback during use, providing a consistent feel whether one is using the Jelly or the Lavender HE. Users can expect similar performance and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, allowing for a comparable typing experience across both options.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 Jelly linear switch is known for its deep, thocky sound signature, which provides a low-pitched auditory experience that many users find satisfying, especially in a mechanical keyboard setting. This low sound profile can give a more subdued typing experience compared to more clacky or high-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch presents a clean, low sound that stands out among magnetic switches, lending itself well to a refined typing experience. Both sound profiles can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, but the Jelly is generally appreciated for its thocky resonance while the Lavender HE shines in its clarity.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for its smooth operation, largely attributed to its excellent factory lube and lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it appealing for users who prefer a light touch. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch is not explicitly described, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, being a hall effect switch, one might expect a distinct feel that is unique among linear options, yet the specifics remain unknown.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly switch delivers a satisfying thocky sound and a notably smooth feel with a lightweight actuation, the Neo Lavender HE offers a clean, low sound that differentiates itself but lacks detailed insights on its tactile quality. Both switches promise enjoyable typing experiences, but the Jelly may appeal more to those seeking a deeper acoustic signature alongside a buttery smooth operation. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE’s distinctiveness lies in its clarity and compatibility with certain keyboards, making it an interesting option for users exploring magnetic switch technology.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a super smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound signature, and enjoy a lighter actuation force for faster response times, the HMX Jelly would be an ideal choice for you, especially if you plan to engage in heavy typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a clean, low sound and appreciate the unique benefits of hall effect switches, such as their durability and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, then the Neo Lavender HE might be the better option. It offers a slightly firmer feel that some users may find more suitable for specific tasks. In summary, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the activities you most often engage in when making your decision. Both switches have their strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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