HMX Jelly vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, and the HMX Jelly and Bsun Olive provide distinct experiences that cater to different typing styles. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its super smooth action and deep, thocky sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a lightweight feel with a mere 42g actuation force. It provides a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps, which can be appealing for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, offers medium weight and pronounced feedback through its unique design and long pole stem. With its resonant sound and satisfying tactile bumps, it delivers an invigorating acoustic experience that many typists find enjoyable, perfect for those who appreciate a little feedback in their typing. Together, these switches cover a broad spectrum of preferences, allowing users to select between a smooth, linear experience and a more tactile, resonant one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Bsun Olive, we see distinct choices that influence the auditory experience of the switches. The HMX Jelly utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a traditional material known for its softer texture and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that is characterized by its duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Bsun Olive features a POM top and bottom housing, which, while also producing a deeper sound, contributes a unique quality that is relatively more muted. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is recognized for its durability and structural integrity but also introduces a distinct acoustic profile that contrasts with the nylon of the Jelly.

Examining their characteristics further, the choice of nylon in the Jelly’s housings allows for an auditory experience that emphasizes warmth and resonance. When typing on the Jelly, users can expect a profound bottom-out sound and a notable acoustic softness when releasing the keys. In contrast, the Bsun Olive’s POM material, being denser, produces a sound that is muted yet pleasing. The differences in the materials mean that while both switches provide a deep auditory experience, the Jelly leans towards a richer sound profile due to the inherently softer nature of nylon, whereas the Olive presents a unique tonal quality that stands apart with a slightly higher level of crispness despite its muted nature.

Ultimately, while the HMX Jelly and Bsun Olive utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, their sound profiles can still elicit similar results in terms of depth. The Jelly's nylon absorbs sound effectively, making the typing experience warmer and rounder, while the Olive achieves a pleasing sound profile through its POM composition. In both cases, the top housing influences the sound during key release, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound. Users can appreciate a satisfying typing experience with both switches, albeit with subtle variations in auditory characteristics due to their differing housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Olive switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a robust typing experience. Thus, for those who favor a lighter switch, the Jelly is the better option, while the Olive caters to those looking for a more defined tactile response with its heavier forces. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience varying levels of comfort and feedback depending on their choice between these two switches.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference illustrates a preference for varying tactile feedback and responsiveness in switches. The Jelly, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced and hearty feel to each keypress, which can be desirable for users who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the Olive's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster keystrokes. In summary, if you prefer a more traditional feel with a bit more depth, the HMX Jelly would be the suitable choice, while the Bsun Olive offers a snappier, more responsive sensation due to its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch produces a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which can often create a satisfying auditory experience in a quieter typing environment. This sound is not overly sharp, giving it a smooth and subdued quality that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by a similarly resonant, deep sound that stands out because of its unique design and construction. The auditory feedback of the Olive is likely to be crisper during key presses, accentuating the tactile feedback experienced. It's important to keep in mind that the final sound production of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard they are mounted in and the keycap material used.

In terms of feel, the Jelly switch is distinctly smooth owing to its exceptional factory lubrication and light actuation force of 42g. This combination provides a frictionless experience engaging the keys without any tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who prefer linear switches for a fluid typing style. Conversely, the Bsun Olive switch features a more textured feel, labeled as “medium tactile,” which provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Users can expect pronounced feedback with a snappy, sharp tactile bump that delivers a distinct sensation with each keystroke. The invigorating and responsive nature of the Olive makes it suitable for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience that emphasizes direct feedback.

Overall, both the HMX Jelly and Bsun Olive switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences catering to different preferences. While the Jelly excels in delivering a harmonious and smooth sound with a linear feel, the Olive combines a resonant auditory experience with a pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a light, smooth, and quieter typing experience, the Jelly switch may be your best bet. Its low-pitched, deep thocky sound and lightweight 48-gram bottom-out force provide a velvety feel that can make typing enjoyable for long durations, whether for gaming or general use. On the other hand, if you appreciate more feedback in your keystrokes and are looking for a satisfying tactile experience, the Olive switch shines with its medium-heavy 65-gram force and pronounced tactile bump. The deep, resonant sound paired with the sharp, invigorating feedback creates an engaging auditory and physical typing experience. Thus, your choice should align with whether you prefer smoothness and lightness or tactility and responsiveness to enhance your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more