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HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves considering the unique characteristics that different switches have to offer. The HMX Jelly switch stands out as a linear option, boasting a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that many find satisfying, in addition to its super smooth keystrokes, thanks to excellent factory lubrication. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it is well-suited for those seeking a swift and seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch represents a tactile switching experience, which provides a noticeable bump during keypresses, allowing typists to feel confirmation while typing. While it does not have a particularly pronounced sound signature, the tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more interactive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for linear smoothness or tactile feedback; 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

55g

Bottom-out force

48g

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.30 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

3.30 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

Nylon

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 HMX Jelly and Outemu Maple Leaf switches, one notable aspect is their respective housing materials, particularly their use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. Nylon is hailed as a classic switch housing material due to its properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Both switches leverage this common material, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This shared materiality ensures that users can expect a harmonious sound quality from both switches, accommodating those who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.

Despite using the same nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, the impact of these components on the overall typing experience can differ based on their configurations. The top housing in each switch contributes primarily to the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel during key presses. This means that even though both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Maple Leaf utilize identical materials, the characteristics imparted by the switch design can create distinct typing experiences. As the user presses down, the softer nylon bottom housing will inform the tactile feedback and acoustic quality, while the top housing’s contribution lies in the reverberation experienced upon key release.

Ultimately, while the HMX Jelly and Outemu Maple Leaf switches share the same nylon material for both housings, their design and structure govern how these materials affect the user's experience. Users may discern nuanced differences in sound and feel between the two switches depending on their design variations, yet they can anticipate a consistently deep and rich sound profile due to the properties of nylon. For individuals seeking a balanced typing experience enriched by the absorbent qualities of nylon, either switch would deliver a pleasing auditory performance, making them both solid choices for enthusiasts and typists alike.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. Its bottom out force is also relatively light at 48 grams. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile experience with each keystroke. This difference means that while the Jelly switch is easier to press and may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing feel, the Maple Leaf is geared towards users who favor a stronger push-back and a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for comfort during long use, the HMX Jelly is the preferable choice, while the Outemu Maple Leaf caters to those who appreciate a firmer, more engaging typing experience.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference highlights a key aspect of each switch's design: the Jelly provides a deeper keystroke, which can be appealing for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Maple Leaf’s shorter 3.3 mm travel distance can offer quicker actuation times, making it a preferable choice for gamers who value responsiveness and rapid key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and efficiency in your keystrokes, the Maple Leaf would be the better option, whereas the Jelly switch's longer travel distance may cater more to those who enjoy a richer typing experience.

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 Maple Leaf 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

The HMX Jelly linear switch boasts a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This switch is well-known for its smoothness, thanks to an excellent factory lube that dampens any unwanted noise that may arise. Conversely, there are no specific details provided about the sound of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can greatly depend on factors such as the keyboard board and the type of keycaps used, so users may still achieve a pleasing sound profile with the Maple Leaf depending on their setup.

When considering the feel, the Jelly linear switch is recognized for its super smooth action, largely due to its lightweight design with a 42g actuation force. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue over long use periods. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remains unknown, meaning that it’s not possible to make a direct comparison at this time. The tactile feedback is typically an important aspect for users who enjoy the sensation of a bump when actuating a key, but without specific information, we cannot ascertain how the Maple Leaf performs in this regard.

In summary, the HMX Jelly linear switch provides a deep thocky sound and smooth typing experience with a lightweight actuation force. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics. Without this data, potential users cannot fully evaluate how these two switches compare in terms of overall typing experience. Those who prefer the Jelly switch will find its sound and feel to be well-defined and engaging, while those considering the Maple Leaf would need to investigate further to understand its performance better, especially if tactile feedback is a priority.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a smooth, lightweight keypress with a satisfying thock sound, the Jelly switch is an excellent option, especially for gaming or fast typing sessions where speed and comfort are paramount. Its 42g actuation force and plush 48g bottom-out make it very forgiving, allowing for extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback to enhance your typing experience, then the Maple Leaf switch might be the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy 65g bottom-out force provides a more resistive feel, which can help you avoid accidental key presses and give you that delightful bump that some typists crave. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the smoothness and lightweight feel of the Jelly or the tactile feedback and more substantial resistance offered by the Maple Leaf. Both have unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience in different scenarios, so consider what aspects of a switch matter most to you as you make your decision.

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