HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is renowned for its super smooth keystrokes and low-pitched, thocky sound signature, combined with a lightweight 42g actuation force that provides a fluid and effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and noise reduction, ideal for gaming or extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, classified as a tactile switch, delivers a unique feel with a noticeable bump upon actuation, allowing typists to feel when their key press has registered, which can enhance typing accuracy. While it lacks a specific sound signature, the tactile feedback can be particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical switches, an interesting distinction emerges, particularly in the top housing. The HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material, enhancing resonance and clarity, making it ideally suited for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, particularly beneficial for use with RGB lighting thanks to its translucent quality.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Jelly and the Crystal Brown utilize nylon. This shared characteristic results in both switches delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile when the keys are pressed down. The nylon bottom housing's soft texture plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel, absorbing vibrations and leading to a smoother typing experience. Despite their differences at the top housing level, this similarity ensures that users will appreciate comparable acoustics during keypresses, contributing to an overall cohesive sound experience.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housings and identical bottom housings leads to a fascinating interplay of sound profiles in both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Crystal Brown switches. Users can expect richer and warmer tones from the Jelly due to its nylon top, whereas the Crystal Brown’s polycarbonate housing will yield sharper highlights and greater clarity. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches guarantees that, regardless of the top housing material, users will experience consistent typing feedback and depth during the actuation phase. This balance allows both switches to serve different preferences well while still delivering a satisfying acoustical performance.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly affect user experience. 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 well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, where reduced strain on the fingers is a priority. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. This means that typists who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback may lean toward the Outemu switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, if you favor lighter switches for extended use, the HMX Jelly is the better choice, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may find the Outemu Crystal Brown more to their liking.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it becomes clear that they differ in feel and responsiveness. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch is the shorter option, typically providing quicker actuation, which may be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, those who prioritize speed might lean towards the Jelly, whereas individuals who favor a deeper keystroke will likely choose the Brown switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch stands out with its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a pleasing auditory experience that many find satisfying during typing. However, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile that can be highlighted. It’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can also greatly depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard, the materials used in the construction, and the keycap profile, which means that the overall acoustic experience can vary widely between different setups.

When considering the feel of the two switches, the HMX Jelly offers a notably smooth keystroke, enhanced by its excellent factory lubrication, allowing for a seamless typing experience. The Jelly's lightweight actuation force of 42g contributes to its ease of use, making it appealing for extended typing sessions. The tactile feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown is also subjective and not clearly defined, leaving it open to personal interpretation.

In summary, while the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its distinct sound quality and smooth, lightweight feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not provide specific details about its sound and tactile response. However, if you’re looking for an enjoyable auditory experience and a smooth typing feel, the Jelly is the superior choice, whereas the Crystal Brown may warrant a trial to see if it aligns with your preferences, as personal experiences can greatly vary depending on individual typing habits and environmental factors.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a light actuation force, the Jelly switch is the way to go. Its 48-gram bottom-out force and super smooth operation make it perfect for gaming or typing sessions where speed and fluidity are key. The low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature adds a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly noisy, which can be beneficial in shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback while typing and don’t mind a slightly heavier actuation, the Crystal Brown switch might be more suitable. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a sense of touch that can enhance your typing accuracy without demanding too much effort. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, and your choice should align with your typing style — whether you lean towards swift, smooth keystrokes or prefer the engaging feedback of tactile bumps.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more