HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. Two popular options among enthusiasts are the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its incredibly smooth feel and low-pitched, deep thocky sound, thanks to its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight 42g actuation force, which makes it a delight for those who prefer effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro stands out as the quintessential budget switch, known for its buttery smoothness and satisfying resistance, combining a thicker bottom-out feel with a low thocky sound that caters perfectly to both gaming enthusiasts and typists alike. While the Jelly switch emphasizes a lighter touch and deep auditory feedback, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a balanced performance at an accessible price point. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is striking to note their similarities. Both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon is renowned in the industry for its acoustic properties, lending each switch a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is particularly notable due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, when typing on either the Jelly or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro, users can expect a similar auditory experience, with each keystroke producing a notably duller and rounder sound.
While the materials used in both switches are the same, the overall typing experience can still vary due to differences in design and construction. For instance, although both switches' housings absorb sound equally well, the arrangement and mechanism in which they operate may influence the feel and feedback during key presses. If the design of one switch emphasizes a smoother actuation or stronger resistance than the other, even with the same nylon material, the tactile experience perceived by the user can diverge significantly. Thus, while the typing sound may be comparable due to identical nylon housings, the feel of the key presses can differ based on the switches' unique engineering.
Ultimately, the impact of the nylon materials on sound absorption and the overall acoustic signature is a significant point of convergence for the HMX Jelly and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). Since both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, they are predisposed to produce rich and well-rounded sound profiles, enhancing the typing experience. However, as the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and the top housing affects the release noise, users may perceive subtle differences in sound characteristics depending on how each switch is constructed. The identical material results in a foundation of acoustic similarity, yet the nuanced variations in mechanical design can lead to a unique typing experience for each model.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, significant differences can be noted in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, where minimal strain is preferred. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. As such, the Jelly switch is suitable for users seeking a lighter touch, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro is better for individuals who appreciate a firmer push. These differences suggest that while both switches offer distinct typing experiences, the Jelly is more ergonomic for prolonged use, while the Milky Yellow Pro provides a more tactile feedback suitable for users who enjoy a heavier resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the differences are clear. The Jelly switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro measures slightly more at 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances often enhance the speed of key presses. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, which could be more satisfying for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Thus, while both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, the Jelly is ideal for responsiveness, while the Milky Yellow Pro caters to those who enjoy a more robust 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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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, both the HMX Jelly switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are distinguished by their low-pitched, thocky profiles. The Jelly produces a deep, thocky sound signature, characterized by its bassy resonance that can offer a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. Similarly, the Milky Yellow Pro also delivers a low-pitched, thocky sound, further described as bassy and rich. This deep and fulfilling sound lends itself well to a pleasant typing experience, making both switches suitable for users who appreciate that satisfying "thud" with each key press. However, it's important to note that the acoustic qualities of both switches can be influenced by the individual keyboard build and keycap choice.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for its smoothness, attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight design with a 42g actuation force. This allows for an effortless typing experience that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is recognized for its buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid stroke that enhances the overall keystroke experience. While the Milky Yellow Pro also includes a degree of texture, which might impart a different sensation depending on personal preference, it remains predominantly smooth, similar in that aspect to the Jelly. Thus, both switches cater effectively to users who prioritize a comfortable and seamless typing interaction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offer unique yet comparable sound and feel characteristics that cater to a range of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Jelly leans slightly towards a more thocky sound and lighter actuation force, the Milky Yellow Pro excels in its buttery smooth feel and all-purpose utility. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal taste or specific typing needs, but either option promises a rewarding experience on the keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter touch with minimal resistance while enjoying a unique, thocky sound profile, then the HMX Jelly, with its 48g bottom-out force and deep auditory signature, would likely serve you well, especially if you're focused on more casual typing or gaming experiences. The Jelly's smoothness, enhanced by factory lube, also caters to those who prioritize effortless keystrokes and a satisfying sound. Conversely, if you're seeking a more traditional feel with a bit more weight, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro, boasting a 62g bottom-out force, offers a robust all-rounder experience that’s perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. Its buttery smoothness and rich, thocky sound make it a favorite among budget enthusiasts, ensuring that you won't compromise on quality. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a lighter tactile experience with the Jelly or the satisfying heft and versatility of the Milky Yellow Pro.