HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Blue can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its super smooth operation, characterized by a low-pitched and deep thocky sound signature. With a lightweight actuation force of just 42 grams, it offers a seamless and quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a subtle and responsive feel, especially in quieter environments. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch features a clicky design that provides tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, catering to typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and sensation of a more conventional typing experience. While the Jelly is perfect for users seeking speed and smoothness, the Blue appeals to those who thrive on auditory and tactile cues. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Outemu Blue switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting acoustic characteristics. The Jelly leverages nylon for its top housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This quality of nylon allows it to absorb more sound waves, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and more crisp sound. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances resonance, making typing on the Blue switches feel more pronounced and lively. Consequently, users can expect a more exuberant auditory feedback from the Blues compared to the more subdued feel of the Jelly.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a shared attribute between the two. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes significantly to their overall sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience common to both switches. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, this similarity means that for both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Blue, users can expect a comparable tactile sensation and sound when pressing the keys down. The nylon's ability to absorb sound enhances the overall typing experience, helping to soften the impact of the keys as they reach their endpoint.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the combined characteristics of each switch lead to distinctive typing experiences. The Jelly, with its nylon top, produces a more muffled and rounded sound that is ideal for users seeking a quieter environment. Meanwhile, the Outemu Blue appeals to those who prefer a more vibrant and resonant typing experience, accentuated by its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches share a common foundation of sound absorption, but the variations in the materials used for the top housing create notable differences in acoustic and tactile responses, allowing users to choose a switch that best fits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, some notable differences emerge. The HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Blue switch is not specified, leaving that aspect unknown. As a result, the Jelly switch is more suitable for those who prioritize comfort and prolonged typing sessions, while the Outemu Blue switch caters to users who favor a firmer typing feedback. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch should opt for the HMX Jelly, while those who appreciate a stronger push may lean towards the Outemu Blue, despite the ambiguity surrounding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the two switches exhibit a notable difference. The HMX Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Blue features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch is shorter, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quick response times associated with shorter travel distances. In contrast, the Blue switch, with its 4 mm travel, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial key press and deeper feedback. As such, selecting the Jelly would provide a more responsive experience, while the Blue may feel more fulfilling for those who prefer greater depth in their key presses.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is well-regarded for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory experience without overwhelming noise. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for users who prefer a more muted sound profile while still enjoying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, but clicky switches, in general, tend to emit a sharp and distinct sound upon actuation. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction, cushioning, and keycap material.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX Jelly is characterized by its incredibly smooth action, attributed to excellent factory lubrication, which enhances the typing experience and minimizes friction. Additionally, the 42g actuation force makes it lightweight and easy to press, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch lacks specific details regarding its feel, but clicky switches typically provide a tactile bump at the actuation point, creating a sense of engagement and feedback with each keystroke. This can be appealing for typists who prefer a more defined typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch excels in providing a quiet yet satisfying sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize both sound and typing comfort. The Outemu Blue clicky switch, while not detailed in this context, is typically favored for its distinctive click sound and tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy an audible and engaging typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences, it’s clear that the Jelly offers a smoother, quieter operation, while the Blue provides a louder, more tactile response. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and Outemu Blue clicky switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the primary tasks you’ll be engaging in. If you prefer a smooth typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound and low actuation force, the Jelly switches would be ideal, particularly if you’re doing lots of typing or gaming where quick, responsive keystrokes are paramount. Their gentle response makes them particularly well-suited for anyone who enjoys a less noisy environment while still appreciating a rich auditory feedback. Conversely, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the reassuring click with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue switches might be the better option for you. They tend to excel in scenarios where you need both auditory and tactile confirmation of your input, making them perfect for typists who appreciate the old-school mechanical feel reminiscent of classic typewriters. So, consider your environment, the nature of your tasks, and your personal comfort when deciding which switch best aligns with your needs.
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