HMX Jelly vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer appealing options for users seeking a linear experience, but they cater to different preferences. The Jelly switches are renowned for their low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which appeals to those who favor a more subdued acoustics paired with an exceptionally smooth feel, thanks to quality factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes them perfect for quiet environments or extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 switches are characterized by their clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a brighter auditory feedback alongside a silky-smooth typing experience. Produced by Haimu, these switches not only deliver tactile enjoyment but also feature a unique light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, perfect for gamers and those who enjoy a vibrant keyboard aesthetic. While both switches offer their own merits, the choice ultimately hinges on personal taste: do you prefer a serene typing experience or an energetic, visually striking setup? 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, one striking difference emerges in the type of plastics used for both the top and bottom housing components. The Jelly employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both housings, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound due to the stiffer material. This fundamental distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the acoustic experience while typing, with the Jelly providing a warmer sound and the Lightning Silver V3 delivering a crisper one.
The variations in material also affect the tactile feedback and overall sound profile of the switches. The Jelly's nylon construction absorbs sound waves effectively, creating a more muted auditory experience. This absorption is particularly noticeable during bottom-out sounds and contributes to a smooth, rounded sensation when typing. Conversely, the polycarbonate used in the Lightning Silver V3 enhances clarity, producing a more pronounced and higher-pitched sound. Here, the tactile feedback combined with the sharper sound can induce a more exhilarating typing experience for users who appreciate auditory feedback in their usage, leading to different emotional responses while interacting with the keyboard.
Ultimately, even though the Jelly and Lightning Silver V3 employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can still achieve satisfying results depending on their preferences. If one enjoys the deeper acoustic profile and smoother typing feel, the Jelly's nylon will cater to that demand. Conversely, those who favor a crisper sound and more pronounced tactile feedback will find the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate to be more appealing. Therefore, your choice of switch should align with your desired typing experience and acoustic feedback, ensuring satisfaction no matter which switch you choose.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 the heavier option, while the Jelly remains the lighter choice. As a result, users seeking a softer switch would benefit from the HMX Jelly, while those who appreciate a firmer response should opt for the Everglide Lightning Silver V3.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the differences are notable. The Jelly switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Jelly offers a more pronounced key press, suitable for users who appreciate a deeper feel when typing or gaming, while the Lightning Silver V3 caters to those who prefer a faster, more responsive touch due to its shorter travel. Overall, selecting the HMX Jelly will provide a more traditional and robust typing experience, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is likely to deliver quicker response times, appealing to avid gamers seeking efficiency.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
The HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, offering a rich acoustic experience that some typists find satisfying and grounding. This sound profile is typically less intrusive than crisper switches and enhances the overall typing experience, particularly in quieter environments. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 presents a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound reminiscent of traditional mechanical switches that many enthusiasts appreciate for their vibrant auditory feedback. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can also depend significantly on factors like the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, which can further influence how these sound profiles manifest in practice.
When considering the feel of both switches, the HMX Jelly boasts an exceptionally smooth typing experience, bolstered by excellent factory lube. Its lightweight action, with a 42g actuation force, contributes to an effortless pressing motion that many typists may find preferable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Lightning Silver V3 is designed for silky smoothness, elevating the typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the specific tactile feedback of the Jelly is not detailed, the overall smoothness offered by both switches emphasizes a refined feel that appeals to users looking for a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound that promotes a soothing auditory environment, the HMX Jelly may be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a sharper, clacky sound that enhances engagement during typing, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will cater to your preference. Both switches deliver an incredibly smooth experience, setting a high bar for performance and user satisfaction in the realm of mechanical keyboards. Whether you value sound or feel more heavily, both switches promise a rewarding typing experience that can suit different preferences effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 largely depends on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing dynamics. If you favor a lighter actuation with an exceptionally smooth experience and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound, the Jelly switch is a fantastic choice. Its low actuation force of 42 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without finger fatigue, especially if you appreciate a mellower auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile experience combined with a vibrant typing sound, the Lightning Silver V3 is worth considering. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, it delivers an engaging auditory experience, particularly suited for those who enjoy the keyboard as a sensory delight. Furthermore, its silky feel enhances speed and efficiency, making it a great option for gaming and fast-paced typing. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing style and the ambiance you wish to create, whether it’s a serene workspace or an exciting gaming setup.
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