HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style, and two popular options are the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Milk Tea. The HMX Jelly, known for its smooth action and low-pitched, thocky sound signature, features an impressive factory lube application and a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a fast, linear typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch offers a tactile typing experience, providing noticeable feedback with each keystroke, which is great for typists who appreciate a more interactive feel while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences—Jelly for speed and smoothness, Milk Tea for tactile engagement. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Milk Tea switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Jelly utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, described as a classic switch material known for its softer properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound when typing since nylon's sound-absorbing qualities produce a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea's top housing is crafted from a newer material, Ly, which is noted for its bright sound signature that produces sharp, resonant clacks during typing. This divergence in the top housing materials significantly alters the acoustic properties of the switches, with the Milk Tea likely providing a more pronounced, lively typing sound compared to the Jelly’s more muted profile.

Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing. This means that while the Jelly’s top housing reinforces its deep sound profile, the Milk Tea's use of Ly for the top alters the overall tonal balance. When pressed, both switches will exhibit the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, contributing to a more subdued sound profile at bottom-out. Therefore, while the Milk Tea can achieve a bright sound signature during the release of the key, its bottom housing retains the deeper qualities also present in the Jelly due to the shared use of nylon. This similarity aids in ensuring that the overall tactile response and feel when bottoming out remain cohesive between both switches.

In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Milk Tea result in different sound profiles during typing. The Jelly's nylon top produces a low, mellow tone, while the Milk Tea introduces a brighter, more resonant sound due to its Ly top material. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent bottoming-out experience and mitigates stark differences in feel. Consequently, users may find similar tactile satisfaction at the bottom actuation, while the auditory experience distinguishes the two switches markedly.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there's a notable difference in actuation forces. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, which is lighter compared to the Milk Tea's actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Jelly more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Jelly switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a slightly firmer feel when pressed fully down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, based on the available specifications, the HMX Jelly switch is overall lighter and may be the better choice for those seeking prolonged comfort, while the Outemu Milk Tea, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal more to users who prefer a substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we see a distinct difference. The HMX Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch offers a longer travel distance, making it more suited for users who appreciate a deeper keypress and a more pronounced tactile feel. Conversely, the Jelly's shorter 3.8 mm travel distance caters to those seeking a more responsive and quicker action, which is often preferred by gamers for faster response times. Overall, the Jelly switch is the shorter option, and if you're looking for a switch with a more substantial depth, the Milk Tea switch would be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, offering a satisfying auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. This sound quality can provide a sense of feedback during typing, creating an engaging atmosphere. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks an established reputation and specific sound characteristics, which makes comparisons challenging. However, it is important to note that the overall sound experience of either switch can still be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.

When we look at the feel of each switch, the Jelly delivers an exceptionally smooth keystroke, made evident by its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This lightness can contribute to a fluid typing experience, allowing for rapid input without excessive finger fatigue. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch also does not have a well-defined tactile feedback description, leading us to a lack of concrete information about the feel it provides. Without specific data, we cannot make a direct comparison in terms of tactile sensation or typing experience.

In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch stands out with its pronounced sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value both auditory and tactile qualities in a keyboard switch. The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch leaves some ambiguity, particularly in its sound and feel characteristics, making it less predictable for newcomers. Ultimately, if you are looking for a more defined experience, the Jelly switches may be the preferable option, while the Milk Tea could remain a wildcard for those wanting to explore less conventional choices.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience, the HMX Jelly is an excellent choice with its lightweight actuation force of 42 grams and a satisfying thocky sound signature that enhances the overall feel of your mechanical keyboard. It’s particularly suited for gamers and typists who appreciate rapid key presses without excessive resistance, allowing for a more fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback with each keystroke and find pleasure in the unique characteristics of a tactile switch, go for the Outemu Milk Tea. While it may lack detailed specifications, tactile switches are typically favored by those who want to feel a distinct bump when actuating keys, which can be beneficial for typing accuracy. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, lightweight feel with audible feedback or a more tactile experience that provides pronounced feedback on each key press.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more