HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Ocean

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Ocean highlights the distinct preferences gamers and typists can have. The HMX Jelly switch offers a smooth, linear experience characterized by its low-pitched, deep thock sound and lightweight actuation force of just 42g, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a swift keypress without the tactile feedback, perfect for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch provides a tactile feel, which can enhance the typing experience by offering a noticeable bump upon actuation, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced response and feedback during their keystrokes. While the Jelly's smoothness and sound signature cater to a more minimalist approach, the Ocean adds a layer of interaction that many users find satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and Outemu Ocean switches showcase contrasting housing materials, each impacting the switches' overall sound profiles and tactile responses in unique ways. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture and ability to absorb sound. This characteristic creates a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its rigidity and clarity. As a result, switches with a polycarbonate top yield a sharper, more resonant sound profile, making these slight differences in material crucial for users seeking distinct auditory feedback from their typing experience. Thus, while the Jelly offers a warmer tone, the Ocean presents a brighter, clearer sound that can emphasize the clickiness of each keystroke.

Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing, nylon. This similarity ensures that if a user experiences both switches, they will notice a consistent depth and fullness in sound when the keys bottom out, attributed to the bottom housing's softer formulation. As both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Ocean utilize nylon at the base, their bottom-out feels would largely resonate similarly, highlighting this characteristic regardless of the varying top housings. The combination of a nylon bottom with either a nylon or polycarbonate top creates a blended sound experience, maintaining a certain level of compatibility in feel.

In summary, while the housing materials differ significantly between the Jelly and the Ocean regarding their top components, they converge with the nylon bottom housing. Users who enjoy the Jelly might prefer the Ocean’s sharper sound profile due to its unique top housing, while simultaneously appreciating the familiar bottom-out feel provided by the nylon material. Thus, although the switches lead to different auditory experiences when pressed and released, their fundamental characteristics allow for a blend of sound qualities that makes them appealing for varied user preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Jelly features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, facilitating longer typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing; however, its bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information on the Ocean’s bottom out force leaves a gap in direct comparison, but it stands clear that the Jelly is the lighter option overall, while the Ocean would be suited for users who favor a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is clear that the Jelly has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Ocean features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference may influence the typing experience significantly: the shorter travel distance of the Jelly can provide quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ocean's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel during typing, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference—those seeking a snappier response may lean towards the HMX Jelly, while those who favor a more satisfying key press might opt for the Outemu Ocean.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which many enthusiasts find satisfying and pleasant to type on. This sound profile contributes to a more substantial auditory feedback while typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a rich acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile publicly available, making it difficult to assess its auditory characteristics directly. However, the sound of any switch will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard's material, design, and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, attributed to its superior factory lubrication, and it has a lightweight actuation force of 42g, which makes it effortless to type and offers a responsive experience. Contrarily, there is little to no detailed information about the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. Without specific feedback on its tactile response or smoothness, a direct comparison isn’t possible.

In summary, the HMX Jelly linear switch stands out for its deep thocky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing auditory and tactile enjoyment in their typing experience. The Outemu Ocean tactile switch, while lacking specific sound and feel characteristics in available resources, may suffice for individuals who prefer a tactile experience, though you may not achieve the same rich auditory experience the Jelly provides. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences, and personal testing may be the key to finding your ideal match.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a smooth and lightweight typing experience, the Jelly switch, with its low 42g actuation force and 48g bottom-out force, may be the ideal choice for you. Its distinct low-pitched thocky sound can provide a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience that offers feedback with each keystroke, the Ocean switch is the way to go. While specific sound characteristics for the Ocean aren't provided, tactile switches typically deliver a pronounced sensation that can enhance your typing accuracy and feel more like a traditional mechanical keyboard. Therefore, if you're a typist who prioritizes speed and fluidity, lean towards the Jelly. In contrast, if deliberate and precise keystrokes are more your style, the Outemu Ocean should be your pick. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your typing style and what you prioritize in your keyboard feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more