HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience with its super smooth action thanks to excellent factory lubrication. Additionally, its lightweight 42g actuation force makes it an appealing choice for those who favor a tactile yet effortless typing experience. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have a designated standout feature, it is designed to minimize noise, making it a great option for users who prioritize a quieter typing environment, be it for office settings or shared spaces. Both switches deliver a linear feel, yet they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Ocean, the differences become particularly striking when examining their top housings. The Jelly utilizes nylon, a material known for its softer qualities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is due to nylon's ability to absorb sound, allowing for a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate enhance the typing experience, making the Outemu switches more suitable for users who prefer a crisp auditory feedback when pressing keys.

Conversely, both the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Ocean use nylon for their bottom housings, making them similar in this regard. This choice contributes to a more muted and rounded sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound effectively. This similarity indicates that the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will carry that characteristic deeper tone. While the Jelly's nylon top housing lends itself to a more enriched auditory depth, the common bottom housing in both models ensures a consistent and pleasing typing sensation, reinforcing the duller sounds experienced when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the HMX Jelly and Outemu Silent Ocean leads to distinct sound profiles. However, the shared material of nylon in the bottom housing highlights an essential aspect: even with differing upper constructions, the deeper, fuller auditory experience when pressing keys remains alive in both switches due to this consistent element. Therefore, users who appreciate enriched auditory feedback while typing might find the Jelly more appealing, while those who lean towards a crisper sound should prefer the Silent Ocean, emphasizing how the distinct combination of materials influences overall typing experience while still retaining some common ground.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Jelly has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter feel is ideal for those who type for extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This additional resistance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the HMX Jelly switch is the lighter option, while the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is heavier, providing different tactile experiences suited to users' individual preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a shorter option that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean has a travel distance of 4 mm, offering a slightly longer travel that some users might find more comfortable, providing that deeper, more pronounced feedback when typing. This difference means that if you're looking for responsiveness and a snappier feel, the Jelly will deliver faster keystrokes, while the Silent Ocean might be favored by those who appreciate a more traditional typing experience with a softer landing. Overall, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance positions it as the shorter option, while the Silent Ocean, with its 4 mm travel, offers a longer feel for users who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find appealing. This type of sound can create a pleasant typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a subdued yet resonant keypress. The Outemu Silent Ocean switch, however, lacks a defined sound profile, which means little can be said about its acoustic qualities. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can also vary depending on the keyboard it’s mounted on and the type of keycaps used, but the Jelly switch certainly has a more established and appreciated sound signature.

When examining the feel of the switches, the HMX Jelly switch offers a notably smooth experience thanks to its excellent factory lube and a lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it forgiving and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Users often enjoy the effortless keypress that comes from the Jelly's design. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Ocean's switch is unknown, which leaves potential users in the dark regarding how it would compare in terms of tactile response and comfort during use.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly switch boasts a defined low-pitched sound and a remarkably smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch remains an enigma, as its sound qualities are not specified and its tactile characteristics are unknown. If you're drawn to a satisfying auditory experience and a comfortable typing feel, the Jelly switch is likely to serve you well. However, if you're seeking a quieter option without a defined sound profile, the Silent Ocean may still provide a suitable experience, albeit with varying results based on factors such as board and keycap compatibility.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and deeper sound profile, the Jelly switch may be the better choice, especially if you enjoy a more responsive feel for quick typing or gaming sessions. Its 48g bottom-out force allows for effortless keystrokes that can enhance speed and reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, if you are someone who enjoys a firmer typing experience with a medium-heavy force, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be more suitable. The 65g bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that many users appreciate for deliberate key presses. Although the Silent Ocean lacks a distinct sound profile, its firmness can contribute to a more controlled and confident typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value a lighter, smoother, and thocky key feel with the Jelly or a more substantial and controlled typing experience with the Silent Ocean.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more