HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and Outemu Purple offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is renowned for its incredibly smooth keystrokes and low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. With a lightweight 42g actuation force, it caters to those who enjoy rapid key presses and soft tactile feedback without the bump typically found in tactile switches. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch is characterized by its tactile nature, providing noticeable feedback with each press, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for users who appreciate that physical responsiveness while typing or gaming. Both switches have their own unique appeal: the Jelly for its smoothness and silent operation, and the Purple for its tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Purple switches, a notable distinction arises in their top housing composition. The Jelly utilizes nylon for the top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb sound effectively. This results in a more muted typing experience, favoring users who appreciate a rounder auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This stiffness translates to a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. If users prioritize sound sharpness in their typing, the Jelly and Purple switches offer contrasting experiences primarily dictated by their top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Purple switches share a commonality, as they both utilize nylon materials. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller and rounder sound profile, thus reinforcing the sonic characteristics that complement their respective top housings. With both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out, characterized by a deeper resonation. This shared aspect enhances the overall typing feel and sound, making it clear that while the top housings differ, the bottom housings unite them through their sound absorption qualities.
Ultimately, the combined influence of the top and bottom housing materials crafts the overall sound experience and feel of these switches. For instance, while the HMX Jelly offers a muted, softer sound due to its nylon top, it maintains a cohesive sound profile with the nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Outemu Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper sound but is complemented by the nylon bottom housing, which still delivers some depth. Users may find that despite the polarization of top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing in both switches fosters a similar bottom-out feel, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience while balancing sound dynamics uniquely between the two.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, with the Jelly requiring only 42 grams for actuation compared to the heavier 50 grams needed for the Purple. This difference in actuation force makes the Jelly a lighter option, which can be advantageous for users looking to type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions without fatiguing their fingers. However, while the Jelly has a bottom out force of 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Purple is unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison for that metric. Without this information, it’s unclear how the two switches would compare when fully pressed down. Generally, users who enjoy a lighter tactile experience may lean towards the HMX Jelly, while those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers may be more inclined to choose the Outemu Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the Jelly measures at 3.8 mm, while the Purple is slightly longer at 4 mm. This makes the Jelly the shorter option, offering a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers and those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Purple's longer travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users find more satisfying due to the additional depth. Ultimately, if you prefer a snappier action, the HMX Jelly would be the ideal choice, whereas the Outemu Purple might be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial key press.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is best known for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience that enhances typing enjoyment. The smoothness of the Jelly switch, attributed to its excellent factory lube, contributes to this sound profile, yielding a more refined acoustic quality. The Outemu Purple tactile switch, however, does not have a notable sound signature described, which leaves its auditory characteristics less defined. It's essential to bear in mind that the overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, materials, and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth action, largely due to the factory lubrication and its lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle touch when typing or gaming. This smoothness, combined with its linear nature, provides a seamless typing experience without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch, while also not detailed in its specific feel characteristics, is typically known as a tactile switch which suggests it would provide a distinct tactile bump, giving users a different sensation when pressing each key. Ultimately, the feel of both switches can be dramatically altered by keycap designs and overall board layouts.
In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a well-defined sound and a highly smooth typing experience, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific sound details but is expected to deliver a tactile feel that many users appreciate. For those seeking a quieter, smoother gesture, the Jelly satisfies nicely, whereas individuals looking for tactile feedback will likely find the Outemu Purple appealing. Both switches ultimately deliver quality experiences in their own right, so the choice comes down to personal preference between linear smoothness and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smooth and lightweight experience with a deep, thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly switch is the ideal choice for you. Its 42g actuation force and 48g bottom out force make it perfect for long hours of typing or gaming where rapid key presses are necessary. It provides a satisfying feedback without the heft, making it suitable for those who enjoy a gentle yet responsive keystroke. On the other hand, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch hasn't been detailed, tactile switches generally offer a noticeable bump to signal actuation, which can be beneficial for typists who appreciate that tactile feedback while typing. If you find comfort in a more traditional typing experience with tactile feedback that enhances your ability to feel when a key is actuated, then the Outemu Purple may be your go-to option. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you lean towards a smooth linear feel or a tactile experience; both have their unique advantages to cater to different preferences.
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