HMX Jelly vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Jelly switch, renowned for its low-pitched, deep "thock" sound signature, offers a satisfying auditory experience alongside its lightweight design and a smooth feel, thanks in part to excellent factory lubrication. With a gentle 42g actuation force, the Jelly is ideal for users seeking a light yet tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch distinguishes itself with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, presenting a unique typing feel that appeals to those who prioritize a responsive keystroke. The innovative use of a Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to its smooth actuation, providing a gratifying experience with each press. While both switches offer distinct advantages—whether that be the Jelly's comforting sound profile or the Neo White's ergonomic feel—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Haimu Neo White, significant differences emerge in their top housing compositions. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, praised for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This quality not only dampens sound waves, resulting in a mellower auditory experience, but it also creates a rounded sound that many users appreciate for a comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Neo White employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate enhance resonance, leading to clear auditory feedback, particularly beneficial for users who enjoy the distinct sound of keystrokes. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for setups that feature RGB lighting, adding a visual flair to the sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which provides a uniformity in the deeper and fuller sound profiles characteristic of nylon housing. This consistency results in a rounded auditory experience when typing, and the nylon bottom effectively absorbs sound, ensuring that the overall typing experience is similar in terms of bottom-out acoustics. While the Jelly's bottom housing shares the same nylon material, enhancing its characteristic sound, the Neo White's use of nylon for the bottom also aligns with this deeper sound profile. Therefore, both switches will elicit a comparable, softer bottom-out sound, promoting a familiar tactile feel across both models even if the top sections differ significantly.
The combined attributes of each switch's housing materials play an essential role in the switching experience. Since the Neo White's top housing brings a distinctive sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate construction, the differences become most evident during the release phase of a keypress. Conversely, the Jelly's nylon top provides a dulled auditory experience, dramatically shifting the sound signature. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will appreciate a deeper sound profile regardless of which switch they choose, showcasing the effective blending of materials for an enjoyable typing experience. Thus, while the top housings contrast significantly, the result of using nylon at the bottom allows for similar auditory results in terms of bottom-out feel and sound across both models.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Neo White switch has an unknown actuation force but features a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, suggesting that while its actuation might be similar to or even lighter than the Jelly's, it ultimately requires more effort to press down fully. Consequently, the Jelly switch is the lighter choice, catering to those who prefer a gentler touch, whereas the Neo White is heavier, likely appealing to users who favor a more substantial feedback experience. Therefore, for typists seeking comfort during long durations, the HMX Jelly is the preferable option, while the Haimu Neo White is suited to those who prioritize a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the HMX Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Haimu Neo White features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jelly offers a bit more depth in its keystroke, which can be preferred by those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience or the reassuring feel of a longer travel distance. In contrast, the Neo White’s shorter distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for rapid key actuations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference: the Jelly provides a deeper feel, whereas the Neo White caters to those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive actuation.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, creating an auditory experience that many users find satisfying and resonant. This gives the Jelly a unique audible quality that can enhance the enjoyment of typing. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has a more neutral sound profile, featuring a moderate sound that fits comfortably into various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This sound versatility makes the Neo White suitable for both casual and professional use, appealing to a broad range of users without standing out too aggressively or too quietly.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Jelly is recognized for its super smooth action, attributed to excellent factory lubrication paired with a lightweight actuation force of just 42g. This combination allows for a seamless and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White offers a mild typing feel, providing a gentler experience that aims to balance smoothness and usability without overwhelming the user. With slightly reduced total travel and a unique Ly stem, the Neo White maintains a comforting yet distinct actuation, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists.
Overall, while the HMX Jelly linear switch excels in its deep thocky sound and ultra-smooth feel, the Haimu Neo White embraces a more neutral sound with a mild typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can select either switch to achieve a great typing experience. If you appreciate a resonant sound and a super smooth keystroke, the Jelly may resonate with you more. However, the Neo White's versatility in sound and gentle feel remains attractive for many users, making it a reliable choice for varied typing scenarios. Ultimately, each switch has its unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lightweight, smooth typing experience and enjoy a thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly linear switch may be the best choice for you, particularly if you're looking to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Its low actuation force and deep sound profile make it a great option for a quieter environment, or if you want a bit of personality to your typing without the harshness of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that has a medium bottom out force and a more balanced sound profile, the Haimu Neo White linear switch would be a suitable alternative. Its mild typing feel, coupled with the slightly reduced travel, provides a satisfying and versatile experience for both new and seasoned typists, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of tasks, whether you’re at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard, so consider experimenting with both switches if you have the opportunity to better understand their distinct characteristics.
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