HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing the HMX Jelly and Outemu Silver, both of which belong to the linear switch family. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, delivering a satisfying auditory experience alongside its smooth typing feel, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a quiet yet responsive switch that complements both gaming and typing without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, though lacking a distinctive reputation for particular qualities, is typically recognized for its swift actuation, making it a solid option for gamers seeking fast response times and a lighter touch. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they each offer unique experiences that may cater to different preferences and use cases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Silver switches display interesting contrasts that impact their auditory profiles and overall user experience. The Jelly's top housing, made from nylon, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a rounder acoustic experience, making the Jelly ideal for users who prefer a warmer tonal quality when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Silver's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a much stiffer material that serves to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This clarity and crispness make the Silver a better option for those seeking a bright, resonant auditory feedback during use. While both switches aim to provide satisfying keystrokes, their choice of materials plays a pivotal role in defining their unique sound characteristics.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a more uniform approach, as both the HMX Jelly and Outemu Silver utilize nylon. This commonality means that users will experience similar impacts in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out on either switch. The nylon bottom, being softer, contributes to a deeper auditory experience, replicating the rounder sound profile that characterizes both switches' deeper tones. In practical terms, this means that regardless of the differences in sound produced by the top housings, users will maintain a consistent bottom-out feel and sound with the nylon material at play in both switches, offering a satisfying tactile feedback.
In combining the effects of the differing top and identical bottom housing materials, one can appreciate how these elements function in tandem to create a complete typing experience. While the Jelly caters to a user who values warmth and depth in sound dynamics, the Outemu Silver's crispness from the polycarbonate top housing offers a contrast that appeals to those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while the top and bottom housing materials create distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing ensures a shared experience that stabilizes sound and tactile feedback across both switches, allowing users to select their preferred auditory signature based on their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easy to type and ideal for prolonged use during long work sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct user experiences, the Jelly remains the lighter option, making it more suitable for those looking for comfort over extended use, whereas the Silver caters to those who favor a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the Jelly measures 3.8 mm, while the Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the HMX Jelly the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more pronounced feedback that some users prefer, especially for a cleaner keystroke feel. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you lean towards shorter, snappier keystrokes, the Jelly is the better choice, but if you enjoy a deeper actuation, the Silver would be more suitable.
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 Silver 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 renowned for its low-pitched, deep, and thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that resonates with those who prefer a more muted thock over a higher-pitched click. This characteristic can create a pleasant typing experience, especially in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a well-defined sound profile, which means its auditory qualities are somewhat undefined. This lack of information suggests that the sound produced by the Silver switch might be more neutral or dependent on the setup, leaving users to rely on their keyboard choice and keycap materials to shape their auditory experience.
When considering the feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth action, largely attributed to excellent factory lubrication, making each keystroke glide effortlessly under the fingers. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g, it emphasizes a light touch, allowing for rapid and comfortable typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch lacks specific descriptors for its feel, leaving a gap in understanding how it performs compared to the Jelly. Without concrete information, it is challenging to assess whether the Silver switch can match or ask for different tactile sensations typical of linear switches.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a distinct sound and a smooth, lightweight feel that is appealing for users looking for a refined typing experience, the Outemu Silver linear switch remains ambiguous in its sound and feel qualities. For those who prioritize a well-rounded auditory experience alongside a smooth keystroke, the Jelly switch is a clear option. If you opt for the Outemu Silver, be prepared for a potentially less defined and customizable experience, as the sound and tactile feedback may rely more heavily on your specific keyboard and keycap choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and Outemu Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter feel and enjoy a smooth typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Jelly switches would be an excellent choice for you. Their low actuation force of 42 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, making them particularly suited for rapid typing and gaming sessions where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier switch that requires more force to bottom out at 65 grams and you don't mind a more standard typing experience, the Outemu Silver might be more your speed. While the Silver doesn't have standout features like sound or smoothness, it provides a more tactile feedback that can be comforting for prolonged typing or heavy-duty gaming. Therefore, consider the Jelly if you prioritize sound and smoothness, and choose the Silver if you prefer a more robust tactile experience.
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