HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Milk Peach, both of which fall under the linear switch category but offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jelly stands out with its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback alongside its super smooth keypresses, thanks to exceptional factory lube. Weighing in with an actuation force of just 42g, it appeals to those who favor a lightweight touch and silky-smooth gameplay or typing experience. On the other hand, while the Outemu Milk Peach lacks distinctive selling points in its description, it still captures attention for its moderate linear feel and potential adaptability in various keyboard setups. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on the desired sound profile and feel; the Jelly is perfect for those seeking a more pronounced acoustic experience, while the Milk Peach offers a straightforward linear experience that some gamers and typists may prefer. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The housing materials of the HMX Jelly and Outemu Milk Peach switches exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This is primarily due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, which results in a rounded auditory signature that can be pleasing to those who prefer a less sharp typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Peach features polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer nature. This rigidity in the material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a crisper auditory experience when typing. Users who enjoy a more vibrant acoustic feedback may find the Milk Peach more appealing for this reason.
Interestingly, both the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Milk Peach utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This uniformity in material leads to similar sound characteristics, specifically a deeper and fuller sound profile that is stereo-typical of nylon's acoustic properties. The bottom housing is essential for the overall tactile experience during usage, as it has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. As both switches implement nylon at this level, users can expect consistent characteristics when bottoming out, making it difficult to discern significant differences solely based on this aspect. This shared component allows both switches to deliver a satisfying typing experience, regardless of the disparity in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the varying top and bottom housing materials of the Jelly and Milk Peach give rise to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Jelly's nylon top housing offers a more subdued, round sound, the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top provides clarity and brightness. However, the similar use of nylon in their bottom housings means that both switches will deliver a consistent bottom-out experience. Users seeking a typing experience that balances the mellow sound of nylon with the clarity of polycarbonate will find each switch has its unique advantages, while still sharing a common element in their nylon bottoms, allowing for some overlapping auditory satisfaction.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch exhibit some key differences in their actuation force, with the Jelly being the lighter option. The Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Milk Peach requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to actuate. This makes the Jelly more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it can reduce finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Jelly's value stands at 48 grams, which again adds to its lighter overall feel. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Peach lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving an unknown variable in its overall typing experience. Without this information, we can't establish a direct comparison for this metric. Given these specifications, users seeking a lighter switch may prefer the HMX Jelly, while those who appreciate a firmer feel should consider other heavier alternatives available in the market.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. The HMX Jelly boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Outemu Milk Peach features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction can influence user experience significantly; for gamers or those prioritizing rapid key actions, the Milk Peach's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker response time. Conversely, the Jelly's greater depth might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding key press feedback and travel distance comfort.
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 Milk Peach 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 sound profile of the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that offers an acoustic experience that many typists and gamers find satisfying. This deep thockiness is a result of its well-executed factory lubrication, which minimizes any additional rattles and contributes to a more pleasant auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch lacks a defined sound signature, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard construction, the material of the keycaps, and even the desk surface it’s placed on.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Jelly switch is known for its super smooth operation, aided by the quality of the factory lube. This creates a seamless experience from keypress to actuation, allowing for quick and comfortable typing or gaming sessions. The actuation force of 42g contributes to a lightweight feel, making it easier on the fingers during extended use. In contrast, there is no specific information about the feel of the Milk Peach switch. Without defined characteristics, users may need to test it personally to gauge its response and comfort level, or rely on reviews to gain insight into its performance.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a distinctively smooth typing experience along with a pleasingly deep sound, the Outemu Milk Peach switch remains an unknown in both tonal quality and feel. If you prefer the deep thock of the Jelly, it may be a more suitable choice for your keyboard setup, especially if sound is an important factor in your typing experience. If similar qualities are desired in the Milk Peach, personal testing or community feedback might provide better insights into its characteristics, as it appears to lack the defined traits present in the Jelly.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the type of typing experience you desire. If you favor a smoother and lighter typing experience with a satisfying, thocky sound, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice, thanks to its low-pitched acoustics and light actuation force of 42 grams, which can make prolonged typing sessions feel comfortable and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you are looking for a specific sound profile or tactile feedback that the Milk Peach offers, you might consider exploring options beyond the available specs of this switch to see if it aligns with your typing style. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right switch that resonates with your tactile and auditory preferences, so take some time to think about what aspects are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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