HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Outemu Gold present distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Jelly, a linear switch, offers a super smooth keystroke thanks to its excellent factory lubrication, coupled with a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that appeals to users seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it is ideal for those who enjoy rapid, effortless key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, classified as a clicky switch, delivers a tactile and audible feedback with every keystroke, making it perfect for individuals who appreciate the satisfying click of a well-timed keystroke. While the Gold lacks a specific sound signature description, its clicky nature is renowned for providing an engaging and interactive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: whether you prioritize a smooth, understated feel or a more pronounced tactile experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold switches, a significant contrast can be observed in the composition of their top housings. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer characteristics that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a more subdued auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound quality but also makes it particularly advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting effects, providing both aesthetic appeal and auditory clarity.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Jelly and the Gold switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This similarity creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing down, as nylon's inherent properties continue to contribute to the overall audio experience in both switches. Given that the bottom housing plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a switch is actuated, both switches will exhibit similar sensations with respect to the tactile feedback during a keypress. Thus, the shared nylon material at the bottom enables a consistent typing experience despite the contrasting top housings.
Overall, the interplay between the housing materials in the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Gold affects the overall sound and tactile feedback of each switch. While the Jelly’s nylon top housing promotes a more muted and rounded auditory signature, the Gold’s polycarbonate top allows for sharper sounds and improved light transmission. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures they will maintain a consistent deeper sound profile at the actuation point. As a result, users can expect a shared tactile sensation when bottoming out, while still experiencing unique characteristics based on the differences in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces reveal their suitability for different preferences. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who appreciate a softer touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gold switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who prefer a more tactile and resistant experience while typing. Consequently, the HMX Jelly is the lighter option, while the Outemu Gold is the heavier choice. Such differences might lead to varying typing experiences, where the Jelly switch's lighter setup allows for easier actuation and less fatigue, whereas the Gold switch provides a more pronounced feel that some users might prefer for its feedback and durability.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's clear that the Jelly offers a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gold provides a standard travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.2 mm difference means that the Jelly may deliver a slightly more responsive experience, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Gold, with its longer travel distance, might be favored by those who appreciate a more deliberate and profound typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the HMX Jelly would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Gold would cater to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing.
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 Gold 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 renowned for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, offering a satisfying acoustic feedback that many users enjoy, especially in a quieter environment where its thock can resonate well. The Outemu Gold clicky switch, however, lacks specific details regarding its sound characteristics, leading to uncertainty about its acoustic profile. That said, it’s worth noting that the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard switch can vary greatly depending on the specific keyboard design and the type of keycaps used, which can either enhance or dampen the sound signature of any switch.
Regarding the feel, the Jelly switch delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, largely attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it easy to press and ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The tactile feedback of the Jelly, being a linear switch, contributes to a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke, while the Outemu Gold switch does not provide specific details about its feel either, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. Linear switches like the Jelly cater to users who prefer a straightforward keystroke without any additional tactile bump or click.
In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch excels with its deep thocky sound and ultra-smooth feel, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize both acoustic and tactile qualities in their keyboard experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's characteristics remain largely unspecified, which makes it difficult to assess its place in comparison. For those opting for the Jelly, they can expect a well-rounded switch experience that emphasizes sound and feel, while the Gold switch’s performance remains an unknown variable in these respects.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, thocky sound and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice, particularly suited for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid keystrokes are beneficial. The Jelly's 42g actuation force allows for swift actions, making it desirable for users who tend to type quickly or may feel fatigue with heavier switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and don’t mind a bit of noise, the Outemu Gold with its medium 60g bottom-out force could be the right fit. Although it lacks specific notoriety like the Jelly, the Gold clicky switch offers a satisfying audible click, which can enhance your typing experience if you appreciate the acoustics and feedback of each keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize quiet, smooth performance or tactile, audible feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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