HMX Jelly vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and HMX Lucky, both linear switches, offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature and super smooth performance, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an ideal choice for users who seek a satisfying auditory feedback while enjoying a lightweight and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lucky switch stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housing, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying feel as you type. This switch might appeal to those who prefer a more subtle typing sound and a touch of whimsy with its aesthetic design. Both switches offer their own merits, but understanding the nuances between them is key to making the right choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and HMX Lucky keyboards both utilize nylon for their switch housings, exhibiting a shared characteristic that significantly influences typing experience and sound profile. The nylon material used in both keyboards' top and bottom housings is noted for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relative softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both the HMX Jelly and HMX Lucky offer a sound experience that is duller and rounder compared to keyboards utilizing harder materials. This uniformity in material choice ensures that users will experience similar auditory feedback from both models, making either a suitable option for those seeking particular acoustic qualities in their typing experience.

When considering the housing materials further, it is important to note that while the Jelly and Lucky utilize the same nylon material, the individual effects of the top and bottom housings can create subtle differences in typing feedback. The bottom housing contributes more significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the key. In this way, the HMX Jelly and Lucky keyboards might produce similar overall auditory experiences, but their unique implications during keypresses and releases may still offer distinct user sensations. However, since both models employ nylon for both housings, the variance is likely to be less pronounced than if diverse materials were used.

Ultimately, regardless of the similarities in housing materials, the experience offered by the HMX Jelly and HMX Lucky can still be slightly nuanced. In keyboards where top and bottom housings are made from different materials, one would expect a more diverse auditory experience—where the bottom housing’s characteristics influence the sound felt during the actuation, and the top housing colors the sound upon release. However, due to the consistent use of nylon across both models, users can confidently anticipate a cohesive sound profile characterized by a rounded and muted auditory landscape, making either the HMX Jelly or HMX Lucky an appealing choice for enthusiasts who appreciate sound modulation in their typing cues.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, both offer light force characteristics but differ in their specific measurements. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Lucky switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Lucky switch the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended sessions. In contrast, the Jelly switch, being slightly heavier, provides a more substantial feel with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a firmer response in their key presses. Both switches, however, can offer similar typing experiences due to their overall light force nature, making them versatile choices depending on personal preference for actuation and feedback.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.8 mm, which means users will experience the same feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As a result, both switches will deliver comparable performance in terms of key travel, ensuring that whether a user opts for the Jelly or the Lucky, the typing experience will feel nearly identical. Therefore, there is no distinction in travel distance between the two; they are equal in this regard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch produces a low-pitched, deep thocky sound that many users find pleasing and satisfying during typing. This sound signature is accentuated by the switch's high-quality factory lubrication, which contributes to its overall smoothness, further enhancing the acoustic experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch is less specifically defined in terms of sound, but it is characterized by its softer nylon housings, which can lead to a quieter typing experience. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound profile, so users can expect some degree of variance regardless of the switch.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is notable for its exceptionally smooth action, thanks in part to the excellent factory lubrication and a lighter 42g actuation force, making it incredibly easy and comfortable to type on for extended periods. In comparison, the HMX Lucky switch is described as providing a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, which suggests that while it might not be as smooth as the Jelly, it still offers a pleasant tactile sensation. Users may appreciate the distinct characteristics of each switch based on their personal typing preferences.

In summary, both the HMX Jelly and HMX Lucky linear switches offer unique experiences that cater to different typing styles. The Jelly's low-pitched thocky sound and smooth feel contrast with the Lucky's softer sound profile and neutral, satisfying touch. Ultimately, while the Jelly might excel in producing a rich auditory feedback coupled with its sleek performance, the Lucky provides a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Users can expect a compelling experience from either switch, but each brings its distinct flavor to the mechanical keyboard landscape.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jelly and HMX Lucky linear switches, your choice should be influenced by your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper, thocky sound profile and a super smooth typing experience, the Jelly switch stands out with its slightly higher bottom out force of 48 grams, giving you a plush yet responsive feel. This makes it a great choice for immersive gaming sessions or focused typing tasks where sound and tactile feedback can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something even lighter and more neutral, the HMX Lucky switch with its 43-gram bottom out force offers a softer, satisfying typing experience with a distinct aesthetic due to its glittery nylon housing. This switch is ideal for casual typing and those who appreciate a more subdued sound profile, while still enjoying a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you want a more pronounced acoustic character and smoothness with the Jelly or a whisper-quiet, lightweight experience with the Lucky.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more