HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Gateron Lunar Probe offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, making it a delightful option for users who appreciate auditory feedback in a discreet manner. Its lightweight design, with a 42g actuation force, contributes to a smooth typing experience, particularly suitable for those who prefer a softer touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe shines with its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses. Users will enjoy the incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation that these switches provide, combined with their subtle sound signature, appealing to those who value a more understated acoustic environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches hinges on individual preferences regarding weight, sound, and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and Gateron Lunar Probe switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, leading to diverging acoustic profiles. The Jelly's nylon top housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb sound waves, resulting in a rounder audio experience. In contrast, the Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, as the stiffer polycarbonate allows for greater resonance and clarity. This difference in housing material is significant, as it noticeably affects the overall auditory experience when typing. For users prioritizing a sound profile that leans towards warmth and depth, the Jelly may be the preferred option, while those seeking brightness and clarity might gravitate towards the Lunar Probe.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, creating a connection in their acoustic experiences despite the differences presented by their top housings. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper, fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This shared characteristic means that when typing on these switches, users will experience a similar bottoming-out sound, characterized by a softer impact that complements the overall feel of the switch. Therefore, regardless of the contrast between the top housing materials, the shared nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Lunar Probe provide a consistent base sound experience.
The combined effect of different top and bottom housing materials in each switch leads to a unique typing experience. While the Jelly's nylon top housing brings a warm, rounded sound that pairs well with its nylon bottom housing for a cohesive auditory experience, the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top contrasts this with a crisper sound, still grounded by the depth of its nylon bottom. As a result, the overall sonic signature of each switch varies with the material differences, but the nylon bottom aspect ties them together in terms of sound characteristics. Users can expect different auditory sensations based on which switch they choose, particularly in the top housing’s influence during key release, while still enjoying a consistent depth from the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, both exhibit a relatively light feel, although there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter of the two options. In contrast, the Lunar Probe requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. While both switches provide light forces that cater to users who appreciate extended typing sessions, the Jelly offers a marginally softer touch. Those who prefer a heavier typing experience might find the Lunar Probe more suitable, thanks to its increased actuation force. Overall, while both switches are light, the Jelly provides a slightly gentler feel, whereas the Lunar Probe gives a bit more resistance, which can enhance typing feedback for certain users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, the Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Lunar Probe has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Jelly switch provides a greater depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Lunar Probe's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who seek quicker response times. Overall, if responsiveness is a priority for you, the Gateron Lunar Probe would be the better choice for its shorter distance. Alternatively, if you appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, the HMX Jelly offers greater travel, making it ideal for those who prefer a heartier typing experience.
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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which many typists appreciate for its satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This quality provides a comforting and pronounced acoustical experience that pairs well with a variety of keycaps and boards. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch offers a more subtle sound signature, resulting from its smooth and stable actuation. While both switches are designed to minimize noise, the Jelly's deeper thocky sound makes it slightly more resonant compared to the Lunar Probe's quieter demeanor, creating different auditory experiences depending on the user's preference.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch shines with its incredibly smooth action, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of 42g. This combination provides a responsive and pleasant typing experience that allows for rapid keystrokes without much resistance. The Lunar Probe, similarly known for its smooth actuation, utilizes Gateron's novel dual rail mechanism to provide a stable and consistent keypress feel. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Jelly's lighter actuation force may make it feel less resistant, catering to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the Lunar Probe may offer a slightly more controlled feel due to its design.
Overall, both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches cater to specific preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, with the Jelly leaning towards a deeper sound and lighter feel, whereas the Lunar Probe provides subtle acoustics and a stable, smooth actuation. Users seeking a satisfying auditory experience may lean towards the Jelly, while those who prefer an understated sound with stability might favor the Lunar Probe. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance and are likely to meet the diverse needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between HMX Jelly linear switches and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches, your decision will largely depend on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight actuation with a bottom-out force of 48 grams and enjoy a unique sound profile, the Jelly switches might be your best bet. Their low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature and smooth key feel, enhanced by excellent factory lube, provide a satisfying typing experience, making them ideal for typing enthusiasts or casual users who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while working or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek stability and consistency in keypresses, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches, with their slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and a refined, subtle sound signature, are worth considering. Their dual rail mechanism ensures a smooth, reliable feel that can enhance your gaming performance or typing precision, making them preferable for competitive gamers or those who value durability and responsive feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects—sound profile, feel, or keypress mechanics—are most important to you, ensuring you select the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
