HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options to find the perfect fit for their typing and gaming preferences. The HMX Jelly switch is renowned for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, delivering a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. Its lightweight design, requiring only a 42g actuation force, contributes to a super smooth typing experience, making it an appealing option for users who prioritize comfort and sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch brings innovation to the table with its unique POK stem and housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM. While the Mars switch is also linear, making it suitable for rapid key presses without tactile feedback, its specialized design offers a distinct feel that may attract users looking for something different. Each switch has its merits—whether you’re drawn to the Jelly’s delightful acoustics and lighter feel or the innovative construction of the Mars—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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and Gateron Mars switches, notable similarities and differences emerge. Both switches feature nylon as their top housing material, which is recognized as a traditional and reliable choice among switch manufacturers. This shared material results in an analogous acoustic profile, as the nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound during typing. The inherent properties of nylon—being a softer plastic—enable it to absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, when typing on both switches, users can expect a consistent sound signature stemming from the nylon top housing.
However, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing materials, which influences the overall typing experience. The HMX Jelly uses a nylon bottom housing similar to its top, allowing for a coherent sound profile throughout the switch. This consistency means the user will experience the same depth of sound and feel when bottoming out as with the upstroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile. The POM material's distinctive properties lead to a sound that is not only deep but also slightly more muted compared to nylon. This disparity means that while the typing sounds retain a level of depth across both switches, the Gateron Mars introduces a subtle variation in the auditory feedback due to the POM bottom housing.
In summary, while the HMX Jelly and Gateron Mars switches share similarities in their top housing material—leading to comparable sound profiles—each switch's bottom housing contributes distinctly to the typing experience. The Jelly’s nylon bottom yields a cohesive and consistent sound throughout both the key press and release, offering a symphonic typing experience. Conversely, the Mars introduces a nuanced depth through its POM bottom housing, affecting the final auditory feedback during key presses. Users seeking a rounded sound might gravitate towards the Jelly, while those looking for a unique auditory texture might find the Merits of the Gateron Mars more appealing. Ultimately, both switches provide satisfying experiences, yet their differences in bottom housing material lead to distinct yet complementary typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the actuation forces reveal some notable differences. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Mars, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Jelly may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming periods. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, while the Jelly's bottom out force is 48 grams. This means that users of the Jelly switch will experience a definitive bottoming out feel, providing a sense of feedback when the key is fully pressed. To summarize, the HMX Jelly switch offers a lighter actuation force and a measurable bottom out force, whereas the Gateron Mars is heavier in actuation without a specified bottom out force, potentially leaving its overall push feel less defined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Jelly offers a distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mars has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Mars may be the better choice for you due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth while typing or gaming, the HMX Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Jelly is better suited for users seeking a deeper key press, while the Mars aligns with those who value a swifter response.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which many users find satisfying and conducive to a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch has a sound profile that isn't explicitly described, but it is important to note that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard the switches are mounted in and the keycaps used. This means that while the Jelly provides a clear auditory character, the Mars's sound quality remains largely unknown, potentially leading to a different auditory experience.
When considering the feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its super smooth performance thanks to excellent factory lubrication, paired with a lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it easy to type quickly and comfortably. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switch features a novel design with a POK stem and housing material made from Nylon and POM. However, details on the specific feel of the Mars switch are not fully covered, leaving some ambiguity regarding its tactile feedback and smoothness in comparison to the Jelly.
Overall, the HMX Jelly and Gateron Mars switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Jelly excels in providing a defined auditory experience and a pleasant typing feel through its smooth actuation and sound character. Meanwhile, the Mars switch, while lacking detailed auditory feedback, presents an innovative construction that could appeal to those interested in experimenting with unique materials. If you're looking for particular qualities such as sound and feel, the Jelly may give you a clearer experience, but the Mars also holds potential depending on its undisclosed attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with a soft sound profile, the HMX Jelly switch is an excellent choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force and deep, thocky sound signature lend themselves well to both typing and gaming, making it suitable for users who appreciate responsive feedback without feeling fatigued during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by innovative designs and prefer a switch that offers a unique feel, the Gateron Mars switch could be your go-to option. While I couldn’t provide specific bottom-out force measurements, its distinct POK stem design—and the materials used in its housing—aim to deliver a different tactile experience that may appeal to experimental typists. Ultimately, your choice should align with what type of sound and feel resonates best with your typing style, ensuring you enjoy every keystroke on your mechanical keyboard.
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