HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Silent Grey

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Grey represent two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences and environments. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep "thocky" sound signature, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize smoothness and a lightweight feel, requiring only a 42g actuation force. This switch excels in creating a quiet yet enjoyable typing experience, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted flow. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, offers a satisfying typing experience with its pronounced bump and whisper-quiet keystrokes, catering to those who appreciate tactile feedback without the accompanying noise, making it perfect for an office setting or shared spaces. Both switches provide unique advantages, depending on your desired sound profile and typing sensation; the Jelly is geared towards fluidity while the Silent Grey emphasizes 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 Silent Grey Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly switch and the Outemu Silent Grey switch showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials that significantly affect the overall sound profile and performance experience. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's softer nature. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound, creating a rounder, duller auditory experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer composition of polycarbonate contributes to its enhanced sound resonance, providing a clearer audio experience. Consequently, a user typing on the Jelly may appreciate the warmth and softness, while those using the Silent Grey would likely enjoy the clarity and brightness of their typing sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Grey employ nylon materials. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will deliver similar sound qualities at the bottom; specifically, a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since the nylon in both switches is softer, it absorbs sound, ensuring a muted bottom-out feel that enhances typing comfort across both options. Thus, while the two switches may diverge in their top housing materials and the resultant auditory characteristics, they converge in their bottom housing, promoting a familiar tactile experience.

The interplay between the different housing materials defines the unique experiences offered by the HMX Jelly and Outemu Silent Grey switches. The distinct sound profiles they create stem primarily from their top housing materials, with nylon in the Jelly fostering a more subdued auditory experience compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate in the Silent Grey. However, the commonality of nylon as a bottom housing material ensures that each switch still provides a consistent feel and sound upon bottoming out, bridging the gap between the two in terms of tactile satisfaction. In summary, while users may enjoy different acoustic qualities when pressing down on the keys, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housing guarantee some level of cohesiveness in their overall typing experience.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel at the cost of requiring more force to activate. This heavier resistance appeals to users who prefer a more tactile experience when typing. Thus, while both switches have different actuation and bottom out force characteristics, the Jelly is the lighter option ideal for extended use, whereas the Silent Grey caters to those who appreciate a firmer keypress. Overall, the choice between them will depend largely on user preference for weight and feedback during typing or gaming.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Jelly switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for those who prefer a shorter travel distance—often favored by gamers for quicker response times—the HMX Jelly would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel with deeper engagement during key presses. Overall, if quickness and responsiveness are a priority, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance is advantageous; however, if a more immersive typing experience is desired, the Silent Grey's 4 mm distance is likely the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch produces a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that many users find satisfying during typing. This acoustic profile contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially in a setting where sound is appreciated. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is engineered for a quiet and pleasant typing experience, characterized by its pronounced bump during actuation. While it generates less noise compared to the Jelly, the Silent Grey still delivers an audible tactile feedback that can be pleasing to those who value a satisfying keystroke without excessive sound.

When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch excels in providing a super smooth typing experience, aided by its excellent factory lubrication. The lightweight actuation force of 42g allows for effortless keystrokes, which can be particularly appealing for users who engage in rapid typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch features a tactile bump that gives a more defined feel at the actuation point, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback while typing. Despite this tactile nature, it also maintains smooth keystrokes, catering to users looking for a balanced typing experience between feedback and fluidity.

In summary, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique strengths tailored to different preferences. The Jelly is perfect for those who enjoy a deeper, more resonant sound combined with a smooth and lightweight feel. In contrast, the Silent Grey provides a quieter option with tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, and either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, albeit in different ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and lightweight feel, along with a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly switch is ideal for you. It’s particularly suited for fast typists or gamers seeking quick, responsive keystrokes, thanks to its lightweight actuation force of just 42 grams and an overall bottoming out force of 48 grams. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback combined with a substantial actuation force and a quieter experience, the Outemu Silent Grey is well worth considering. With a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides satisfying tactile feedback without the excessive noise often associated with mechanical switches, making it perfect for office environments or quiet spaces where you want both satisfaction and discretion in your typing. Ultimately, your selection will reflect your specific needs for typing dynamics, sound levels, and tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more