HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Green

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile, as exemplified by the HMX Jelly and Outemu Green switches. The HMX Jelly is a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience, characterized by its low-pitched, deep thock sound, making it ideal for those who prefer quiet operation alongside swift keystrokes, thanks to its lightweight 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that provides an audible, tactile feedback with each keypress, making it well-suited for typists who enjoy a distinctive sound and clear feedback while they type. While the Jelly focuses on a smooth and stealthy performance, the Green’s clicky nature can enhance the overall joy of typing for those who appreciate the traditional mechanical keyboard experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Outemu Green Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly switch and the Outemu Green switch, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is characteristically softer and enhances the depth of sound produced. This results in a fuller sound profile that absorbs more vibrations, leading to a duller acoustic experience. In contrast, the Outemu Green employs polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer plastic not only contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile, but also resonates more clearly. Aesthetically, the translucent attributes of polycarbonate make it ideal for switches designed to enhance RGB lighting, providing a more visually engaging typing experience.

However, when we examine the bottom housing of both switches, we find a significant commonality: both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Green utilize nylon. This choice in material directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile akin to that of the Jelly's top housing. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a comparable bottoming-out experience, enhancing the overall tactile feedback for the user. As the bottom housing tends to have a more substantial impact on sound when the switch is fully pressed, this confluence of material helps unify the acoustic characteristics of both models.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials leads to varied auditory experiences. While the Jelly’s nylon top creates a fuller and more muted sound, the Outemu Green’s polycarbonate top contributes a sharper tone during release. However, since their bottom housings are similar in composition, users can expect a similar depth and feel when bottoming out on either switch. This split in housing material qualities indicates how nuanced the design of mechanical switches can be, providing a balanced yet distinct typing experience based on the particular blend of materials employed.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, there is a significant difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This disparity suggests that the Jelly switch is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. Conversely, the Green switch appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, thanks to its higher force requirements. Ultimately, the Jelly switch provides a softer feel, whereas the Green switch delivers a firmer push, catering to varying preferences in typing dynamics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, we see a notable difference. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Green measures slightly longer at 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Jelly switch, your key presses will feel a bit more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, catering to gamers who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel of the Green switch provides a more traditional feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, for those prioritizing rapid response, the Jelly is the better choice, while the Green caters to those who appreciate a heftier key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which contributes to a satisfying auditory experience as you type. This acoustic quality is complemented by the switch’s smoothness, resulting from excellent factory lube, which also minimizes any potential rattling. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have a specified sound profile available, so it's difficult to compare its audio characteristics directly. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on several factors, including the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch shines with its super smooth performance, allowing for fluid keystrokes that many typists find enjoyable. Its lightweight actuation force of 42g enhances the typing experience by requiring minimal effort to actuate each key, which can contribute to faster typing speeds and less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks a specific feel description, making it challenging to draw an accurate comparison. Clicky switches typically provide tactile feedback and an audible click at the actuation point, which some users may prefer for the tactile engagement it offers.

In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch is an excellent choice for those who seek a smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound signature, while the Outemu Green clicky switch remains undefined in terms of sound and feel due to a lack of available information. Depending on the typist's preferences, the Jelly switch can deliver a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, whereas the Green’s characteristics are an unknown variable that could cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, both switches can produce enjoyable experiences, but they cater to different preferences in terms of sound dynamics and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, your choice will heavily depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch, enjoy a smooth keystroke, and appreciate a deeper, thocky sound profile, the HMX Jelly linear switch is an excellent option for you. It's particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, gaming, or any activity where rapid key presses are needed without a cumbersome feel. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier keystroke that provides tactile feedback with an audible click, the Outemu Green switch will cater to your needs, providing a rewarding sensation that many typists appreciate for both typing accuracy and a nostalgic mechanical feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a quieter, smoother experience with the Jelly or a more robust, clicky feedback from the Green.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Green Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more