HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Jelly, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a tactile switch. The Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature and its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of just 42 grams. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prefer minimal resistance and a muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Jelly excels in smoothness and subtlety, while the Dustproof Purple offers a pronounced tactile feel that can enhance accuracy and typing rhythm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your unique style and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a distinct contrast emerges, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Jelly’s nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound and minimizes harshness. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate offers a more resonant acoustic experience, leading to a sound that is not only clear but also more pronounced. Aesthetic considerations also play a role here; the translucency of polycarbonate does not just enhance visual appeal but also amplifies the effects of RGB lighting, aligning with modern gaming and typing aesthetics.
Turning to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, leading to a cohesive experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a deeper and rounder sound character, thanks to its ability to absorb sound and soften the overall auditory profile. The common use of nylon in both the Jelly and Dustproof Purple ensures that, although their top housings differ significantly in sonic characteristics, the bottom housing delivers a consistent sound and tactile feedback that underpins the typing experience. Therefore, while the top housing influences the sound produced on key release, the bottom housing's qualities remain constant, creating a sense of balance in feedback.
Ultimately, the different materials in the top housing create a varied auditory experience for each switch, while the matching nylon bottom housing provides a grounding consistency in the feel of the switches. This design means that users can expect a hybrid experience: for those who prioritize deep and full acoustic signatures, the Jelly’s makeup excels, while polycarbonate enthusiasts will appreciate the clear articulation found in the Dustproof Purple. However, the nylon base will offer familiar tactile and aural sensations across both switches, ensuring that while they are distinct, they can yield similar tactile qualities, especially when considering the role of the bottom housing in the overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Jelly features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Jelly is considerably lighter than the Purple switch, allowing for easier keystrokes, while the Purple offers a firmer, more pronounced feel. This difference in force is significant for users who prioritize either comfort for long-duration use or a robust keyboard response. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter feel, the HMX Jelly is the better option; however, if you favor a heavier switch, the Outemu Dustproof Purple would be the way to go.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dustproof Purple. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Jelly, can offer faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple's longer 4 mm travel provides a more pronounced depth, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a tangible feedback in their keystrokes. Thus, if you value responsiveness, the Jelly switch would be the better option, whereas if you favor a more substantial feel, the Dustproof Purple would be ideal.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 switches are praised for their low-pitched, deep, and thocky sound signature, which can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing or gaming. This distinct sound profile can contribute to an overall immersive experience, particularly in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches do not have a defined sound signature mentioned, which makes it difficult to gauge how they might compare in auditory presence. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound produced can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard, materials, and keycaps used, and thus, you might achieve a similar auditory experience with either switch based on those external factors.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switches shine with their super smooth actuation, complemented by an excellent factory lube that enhances the overall tactile experience. This smoothness, paired with their lightweight 42g actuation force, makes for a pleasant and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches is not explicitly mentioned, leaving a gap in knowing how they compare in terms of tactile feedback or smoothness. Depending on personal preference and usage, you might find the overall feeling of each switch varies widely, which can make a significant difference in long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions.
In summary, the HMX Jelly linear switches provide a rich auditory experience with their thocky sound and an exceptionally smooth feel thanks to their lightweight actuation and factory lubrication. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switches lack defined auditory characteristics and the specific nuances of their feel remain unknown. For a well-rounded experience, your choice may ultimately depend on which qualities are more important to you—sound, feel, or perhaps even a combination shaped by your keyboard setup. Both switches leave room for exploration in sound and tactile feedback, and you could find enjoyable results through careful matching with your keyboard components.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you seek a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a satisfying, low-pitched, thocky sound, the HMX Jelly is an excellent option, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions where you desire reduced finger fatigue. With its lower actuation force and full weight of only 48 grams, it can make rapid key presses feel effortless and enjoyable. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a firmer press and a bit more resistance, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch—featuring a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams—may be the better choice for you. This switch could be ideal for those who like to feel an intentional response with each keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for typing tasks where feedback is critical, such as coding or writing. Additionally, if you are concerned about dust buildup, the Dustproof feature of the Purple switch could enhance its longevity and reliability. In the end, your decision should be guided by whether you favor a smooth, lighter experience or a more tactile and resistant feel.
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