HMX Jelly vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and Cherry MX Silent Red present two intriguing options for users seeking linear switches, each with its own unique characteristics. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and super smooth keystrokes, thanks to exceptional factory lubrication. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for users who enjoy a soft touch while maintaining a satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the classic attributes of the well-loved MX Red while introducing a muted operation, making it a perfect choice for those in noise-sensitive environments. Its slightly heftier feel provides a reassuring typing experience without disturbing those around you. As you weigh the benefits of these switches, it becomes clear that each offers distinct advantages, catering to different preferences and settings. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The HMX Jelly and Cherry MX Silent Red switches utilize identical housing materials, with both featuring nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material due to its relatively softer properties compared to harder plastics. This characteristic enables both switches to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as the soft nylon effectively absorbs sound. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound on key presses and releases.
As both the HMX Jelly and Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, their performance in terms of sound and feel is closely aligned. The softness of the nylon contributes to the overall typing experience, as it creates a sense of depth and richness in audio feedback with each keystroke. This results in a satisfying typing experience for users who value acoustic feedback, regardless of which switch they choose. The shared qualities of the nylon material mean that users will likely find comparable results in their typing experience, whether they opt for the Jelly or the Silent Red.
However, while both switches boast the same housing materials, the configuration and design may influence the exact feel and sound profile. For instance, even with identical materials, subtle differences in switch mechanics, such as actuation force or travel distance, may lead to varied typing sensations. Nevertheless, the commonality of nylon as the primary material for both the HMX Jelly and Cherry MX Silent Red ensures that their performance will resonate with similar characteristics, offering users an appreciable consistency in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we observe a notable difference in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red remains unspecified. The HMX Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel upon keystroke activation. Since the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Silent Red is unknown, we cannot make a direct comparison there, but if it were available, we would analyze its impact on overall typing experience. Overall, with the lighter HMX Jelly switch, typists seeking a softer feel may prefer it, while those who appreciate a firmer push may find the Cherry MX Silent Red more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find a notable difference. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress, the HMX Jelly would be the better choice, providing a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize quicker response times, as it requires less movement to register a key press. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the realm of linear switches, the HMX Jelly offers a deeper experience, making it the ideal option for users who favor a more tactile engagement with their keyboard.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is recognized for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, offering a rich and satisfying auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. This sound profile is characterized by a pronounced, deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the keys are pressed, making it a pleasure to type on. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a notably quieter experience while still retaining some of the classic MX characteristics. It is described as muted, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it ideal for environments where noise control is a priority. While the Jelly delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Silent Red achieves a level of silence that can be advantageous in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth actuation, largely attributed to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight design with a 42g actuation force. This smoothness allows for a fluid typing experience without any noticeable texture to hinder the keystrokes. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red is characterized by a slightly heftier feel, along with a more textured experience that introduces a subtle friction during key presses. While some users may appreciate this texture for added tactile feedback, others may prefer the frictionless smoothness of the Jelly switch. Overall, this difference in feel may cater to individual preferences about typing sensations and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jelly and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches provide unique sensory profiles, they cater to different priorities. The Jelly excels in delivering a rich sound and a fluid typing feel, making it a great option for those who enjoy auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Red is optimal for those seeking a quieter experience without sacrificing the traditional enjoyable feel of a linear switch, though it may come with a slight texture. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users will find that both options can satisfy their mechanical keyboard needs, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and your environment. If you favor a light touch and enjoy a distinctive, thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, the HMX Jelly switch may be your best bet. This switch’s 48-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or prefer a more tactile feedback. However, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment, such as an office or a cohabitation scenario, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be more appropriate. It offers the classic smooth experience of a linear switch with the added benefit of silence, significantly reducing the noise level while still maintaining a satisfying keypress. In summary, consider where you'll be using your keyboard and how you want your typing experience to sound and feel; this will guide you toward choosing the switch that fits your needs best.
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