HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Green offers unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers crave. Its lightweight design, requiring only 42g actuation force, gives it an incredibly smooth feel thanks to excellent factory lubrication, making it ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, while the Outemu Silent Green lacks a distinctly noted sound profile, its design focuses on a quieter typing experience, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others. Both switches present compelling choices; the Jelly for those who enjoy a rich acoustic experience and a lighter touch, and the Silent Green for users seeking a more subdued, silent option. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Green switches, a notable distinction arises between the respective top housings. The HMX Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, renowned for its softer plastic qualities that yield a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This stark difference materially influences the auditory experience; the nylon housing absorbs sound more effectively, creating a rounder quality, whereas the polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, making it particularly advantageous for displaying RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings, we find a continuation of this contrast. The Jelly employs nylon for its bottom housing as well, delivering a sound that is consistent with the deeper tones established by the top housing. Conversely, the Silent Green incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the high-pitched audio character thus far engendered by its top housing. The implications of these materials extend beyond just sound; the nylon in the Jelly contributes to a cushioned feel on key actuation, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Silent Green enforces a more immediate tactile response, impacting the overall typing experience.
While the HMX Jelly and Outemu Silent Green offer divergent audio and tactile properties due to their varying housing materials, the differences can be harmonized to achieve certain results. For instance, should users desire a fuller sound experience while still utilizing polycarbonate for lighting effects, they could consider balancing actuation techniques or mechanical modifications to boldly offset the inherent qualities of stiffer plastics. In this way, despite the distinct sound profiles produced by each switch due to the materials used, some players may find that specific preferences can be met, allowing for a versatile experience rather than a rigid choice between the two.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Jelly boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who favor typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more pronounced bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a sturdier typing experience for users who prefer a more substantial feel. While the Jelly is designed for ease of use and comfort during extended typing, the Silent Green caters to those who appreciate a firmer push-back, which can contribute to a more satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, the Jelly is the lighter option, while the Silent Green is the heavier choice, reflecting the distinct preferences among keyboard users.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Green provides a more traditional feel, allowing for a deeper press that some may find more satisfying or conducive to typing. In contrast, the Jelly’s shorter travel distance caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, making it potentially more appealing for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, if you prefer a more tactile depth in your keystrokes, the Silent Green would likely be the better choice, while the Jelly might be favored by those who enjoy quicker actuation and lighter presses.
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 Silent Green 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 characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This engaging sound is a result of its construction and excellent factory lubrication, contributing to a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks specific acoustic characteristics described in the available information. It's important to note that the perceived sound can be influenced by various factors such as the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and the acoustic environment.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is renowned for its smoothness, attributable to the outstanding factory lubrication, which ensures a frictionless keystroke from top to bottom. Coupled with a lightweight actuation force of 42g, it offers a pleasant and low-effort typing experience that many typists and gamers find comfortable. In contrast, there is no provided information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Green switch. As such, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, the HMX Jelly linear switch stands out with its well-defined sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, while the Silent Green's qualities remain undefined. For users seeking a switch that offers a rich acoustic experience alongside a silky keystroke, the Jelly will deliver consistent results. However, without specific qualities mentioned for the Silent Green, it’s hard to gauge its performance. Ultimately, both switches may cater to differing preferences, and potential users could benefit from hands-on testing to determine their ideal fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you'll want to consider your specific preferences for feel, sound, and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter switch that responds quickly and effortlessly, the Jelly's lower actuation force of 42 grams and its smooth, thocky sound signature will provide an enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who type a lot or enjoy gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier switch that offers a more pronounced and controlled feedback with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Green might suit you better, providing a more robust feel during extensive typing sessions. While the Jelly is praised for its factory lube and satisfying aural qualities, the Silent Green does not have any standout sound features. Ultimately, your choice should align with your tactile preferences—opt for the HMX Jelly if you appreciate a smoother, quieter experience and the Outemu Silent Green if you lean towards a denser, more resistant switch for your overall keyboard dynamics.
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