HMX Jelly vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a crucial role, particularly for linear switches like the HMX Jelly and Durock Mamba. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and its super smooth performance, thanks to excellent factory lubrication, all while maintaining a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it ideal for those who value a satisfying auditory feedback combined with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a unique tribute to Kobe Bryant, delivering a gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Its classification as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished adds versatility, appealing to typists seeking a balanced feel and sound profile. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct advantages for different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Durock Mamba, a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Jelly utilizes a traditional nylon material, which is known for its softer plastic characteristics that absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Mamba features a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which produces a brighter yet pleasant sound profile. While both materials achieve favorable sound characteristics, the Jelly's nylon top may lean toward a more muted experience, whereas the Mamba's unique blend offers a sharper tone. Nevertheless, both designs facilitate an enjoyable auditory experience, suggesting that users can still achieve satisfying results with either switch type.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts. The Jelly's bottom housing, also made from nylon, contributes to a deeper sound profile that complements its top housing. This consistent use of nylon reinforces the overall sound quality and tactile feel when typing, allowing for a cohesive experience. On the other hand, the Mamba employs a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique sound that is deeper and more muted than nylon. This contrast in materials emphasizes how the Mamba's choice of POM affects the overall sound profile, especially during the key-bottoming experience. Though the Mamba and Jelly have differing materials, both aim to combine their respective sound qualities for optimal typing enjoyment.
Ultimately, the impact of housing materials on the typing experience is pronounced, and users may find parallels despite the differences. The Jelly's consistent use of nylon throughout contributes to a seamless and rounded overall sound, while the Mamba’s combination of polymer nylon, UHMWPE in the top housing and POM in the bottom offers a mix of bright and muted sound characteristics. When pressed down, the Jelly taps into the deeper quality of nylon, while the Mamba differentiates the sounds produced through its contrasting bottom housing materials. Regardless of the differences, both designs can yield favorable auditory and tactile results, underscoring the importance of material choice in achieving desired typing experiences.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting user experience. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option that is particularly suited for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mamba switch has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, suggesting a more substantial keystroke feel. This increased bottom out force may appeal to individuals who favor a stronger push, providing a different tactile feedback compared to the Jelly. Overall, with the Jelly being the lighter switch and the Mamba having a heavier bottom out force, users should choose based on their preference for typing feel and duration of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences. The HMX Jelly boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Durock Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Jelly's greater travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more significant depth when pressing down on keys, providing a fuller tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Mamba aligns well with the preferences of gamers who seek quicker response times for fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness; selecting the Jelly could offer a more pronounced feel, while opting for the Mamba may result in swifter key activations.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 offers a uniquely low-pitched, thocky sound signature, producing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when pressed. This quality can elicit a sense of tactile enjoyment, as the sound reinforces the feeling of solid key engagement. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch provides a rich and creamy auditory experience, characterized by a neutral profile that maintains a moderate sound level. The Mamba’s sound is likely more approachable for those sensitive to noise while still delivering a notable thocky effect that resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate a deeper sound. Overall, while both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Jelly’s sound is deeper, whereas the Mamba balances richness with neutrality.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is known for its super smooth operation due to excellent factory lube combined with a lightweight 42g actuation force. This enables a fatigue-free typing experience, making it easy to type quickly and accurately. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch delivers a gliding typing sensation characterized by its mild and polished qualities. This mild feel provides an approachable typing experience, while the polished nature ensures reduced friction and a smooth key travel, appealing to users who prefer a refined sensation under their fingers. While the Jelly switch leans toward a lighter feel, the Mamba maintains a gentle, consistent experience that many find comfortable.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and Durock Mamba linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Jelly excels in its thocky sound and super smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize depth and fluidity. Conversely, the Mamba strikes a balance with its rich auditory experience and polished typing sensation, providing a more moderate approach suitable for all types of users. Ultimately, both switches can lead to a satisfying typing experience, whether you prefer a deeper sound profile or a finely polished touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, you’ll want to carefully consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch. If you prefer a lighter typing experience that feels smooth and buttery, the Jelly’s low actuation force of 42 grams and its deep, thocky sound make it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, particularly if you enjoy a tactile audio feedback that resembles a soft knock. This switch could be ideal for casual use, gaming, or even if you're seeking a more relaxed vibe in your workspace. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more balanced switch with a bit more resistance, the Durock Mamba with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams might be your best bet. Its mild yet polished typing experience offers a rich auditory profile that many find satisfying, making it a great option for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a touch of stability in your keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user needs, so it really boils down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing force.
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