HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences catering to different user preferences. The Jelly switch is celebrated for its smooth operation and low-pitched, thocky sound profile, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, the Jelly strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is engineered specifically for office environments, promoting a quiet yet tactile experience that remains discreet during intensive typing tasks. Its bouncy and easy-to-press design offers a smooth feel without drawing excessive attention, making it the perfect fit for professional settings where noise levels matter. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Jelly is great for those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Mountain Top is perfect for those prioritizing quiet efficiency. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and Gateron Mountain Top switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which can significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, appreciated for its ability to absorb sound effectively. Consequently, both switches are designed to produce a deeper and fuller sound when typed upon, enhancing the tactile experience. Given that both switches employ the same material for both top and bottom housings, users can expect a similar auditory outcome characterized by a duller and rounder sound, achieved through the inherent properties of nylon that dampen sound waves.
Despite utilizing the same nylon material for their respective housings, the way each switch is engineered could still lead to nuanced differences in typing feel and sound. The construction specifics, such as the switch's design, spring types, and how the housings fit together, play vital roles in defining each switch's unique characteristics. For instance, even if two switches utilize nylon, the way the housing elements are crafted and interact could impart slight variances in bottom-out sound and feedback. Therefore, while the fundamental material composition is identical, the user experience may still diverge based on these engineering particulars.
Additionally, it is essential to consider that the impact of each housing on sound is divided between the top and bottom when pressed. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound, while the top housing adds to the sound profile during key release. As the HMX Jelly and Gateron Mountain Top switches are made from the same nylon material, there is a strong possibility these switches will exhibit similar sound profiles and qualities in both stages of key actuation. Thus, users selecting between these switches can expect comparable results due to their shared material properties, while still remaining open to the subtle differences resulting from their individual designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches demonstrate relatively light specifications, making them suitable for extensive typing or gaming sessions. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Mountain Top switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that while the Jelly switch requires a bit more force to actuate, it offers a softer feel when bottoming out compared to the Mountain Top. Overall, the Jelly is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the Mountain Top is heavier at the bottom out stage. Users seeking a lighter, springier typing experience may prefer the Gateron Mountain Top, while those who favor a stronger actuation might lean towards the HMX Jelly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Jelly has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mountain Top measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Jelly provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which might appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience and feel during their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mountain Top, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a quicker response time, making it more suitable for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Mountain Top would be the better choice due to its shorter distance, while the Jelly is ideal for those who value a deeper and more deliberate keystroke.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
When comparing the sound of the HMX Jelly linear switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we note distinct characteristics that shape the user experience. The Jelly switch has a low-pitched, deep thocky sound, which is satisfying and pronounced, making each keystroke feel robust. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is engineered for office settings, characterized by a more neutral and subtle sound profile. While it’s quieter than the Jelly, it strikes a balance that still provides a discernible auditory feedback without being disruptive. This makes the Mountain Top more suitable for environments where discretion is essential.
In terms of feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth action, complemented by its lightweight 42g actuation force. This provides a delightfully fluid typing experience, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. The Mountain Top switches, meanwhile, are designed to feel bouncy and easy to press, creating a lively typing sensation. Their mild resistance combined with a snappy and subtle feedback system ensures that each key press is both responsive and fatiguing. The overall feel of the Mountain Top is tailored for comfort during prolonged use, making it a solid choice for those who type extensively throughout the day.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches cater to different user preferences and environments, they each offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience. The Jelly delivers a satisfying, thocky sound and a smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Mountain Top focuses on discretion with its subdued sound and comfortable, bouncy feel, making it ideal for office use. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences, particularly in terms of the snap and soundiness you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a distinct and deep sound signature—characterized by the Jelly's satisfying thocky acoustics—and enjoy a lightweight touch with its 42g actuation force, this switch will be perfect for you. It's well-suited for those who appreciate a smooth, enjoyable typing experience, making it a great option for gaming or macrodynamics tasks where tactile feedback can enhance performance. On the other hand, if your primary use is in a professional setting, where a quieter yet responsive typing experience is key, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the better choice. Its subtle sound profile and bouncy feel will allow you to type effortlessly without distracting your colleagues. Moreover, its mildly responsive nature and comfort during prolonged typing sessions make it a practical option for office environments. Therefore, consider your primary use case and environment when making the final decision between these two switches, ensuring you choose one that aligns with your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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