HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Spring Breeze

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different types, such as the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its super smooth keystrokes, complemented by an impressive factory lubrication that ensures a delightful typing experience. With a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, it provides effortless key presses and is particularly appealing to those who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience with its low-pitched, thocky sound signature. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch designed to deliver an audible and tactile feedback with every key press, catering to users who enjoy the satisfying sound of a “click” during typing. While the Spring Breeze excels in providing a more engaging auditory experience, it may not be suitable for quieter environments where noise could be a concern. Ultimately, choosing between linear and clicky switches boils down to your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. 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 Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which directly influences the sound profile and overall typing experience. Nylon, known for being a classic housing material in mechanical switches, is favored for its ability to absorb sound, thus creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. This consistency between the Jelly and Spring Breeze means that users can expect a similar sound profile—characterized by a duller and rounder tone—regardless of which switch they choose. This shared feature underscores nylon's advantageous qualities in creating a more pleasant and satisfying typing experience.

While both the Jelly and the Spring Breeze feature nylon top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials can differ based on the design of each switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Since both switches use nylon in both housings, the resulting sound characteristics will align closely, leading to a consistently rich acoustic quality. The use of the same material throughout ensures that neither switch leans more heavily on one aspect of sound over the other, creating a balanced auditory signature.

In essence, the similarities in housing materials between the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Spring Breeze lead to a cohesive typing experience for users, regardless of personal preference. Both switches benefit from nylon's innate properties, such as sound absorption, resulting in a typing experience that is deep and full. However, the nuances in design might still create subtle differences in feel and feedback, making it important for users to consider their individual preferences for tactile response alongside sound characteristics. Ultimately, the shared nylon components guarantee that users can expect an enjoyable and harmonious typing experience across both switch options.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there are noteworthy differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly linear switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its minimal resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference means that while the actuation of the Spring Breeze is easier to trigger, it provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Therefore, the Jelly switch is generally lighter overall, making it better for users seeking a light typing experience, while the Spring Breeze offers a heavier bottom out that some may prefer for a more tactile typing sensation. Ultimately, if users seek lighter switches for longer typing comfort, the Jelly switch would be the more appropriate choice, while those who enjoy a heavier feel might lean towards the Spring Breeze despite its slightly heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, the Jelly offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This means that, if you choose the HMX Jelly, you will experience a more responsive feel as it features a shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience, with the Jelly being the shorter option and the Spring Breeze the longer.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that lends a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. This sound profile is generally attributed to the switch's design and materials, which contribute to its rich acoustics. Meanwhile, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks a specific sound signature description, making it less straightforward to gauge its auditory qualities when compared to the Jelly. However, it's important to note that sound can vary significantly depending on the mechanical keyboard's design, build quality, and keycap choices, potentially allowing the Spring Breeze to deliver a unique sound experience despite the absence of specific details.

When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its remarkable smoothness, derived from excellent factory lubrication, which enhances the typing experience. Its lightweight actuation force of 42g makes it easy to press and provides a tactile sensation that many users find enjoyable for longer typing sessions. The Spring Breeze, on the other hand, does not have specified qualities regarding feel. While its clicky nature suggests a more pronounced tactile response, the lack of detailed information makes it challenging to directly compare these two switches based on tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a well-defined sound characterized by its thocky low pitch and an exceptionally smooth feel with a lightweight actuation, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remains somewhat ambiguous in its sound and feel characteristics. If you're looking for a satisfying auditory experience combined with smooth performance, the Jelly switch will likely meet your needs. Conversely, the Spring Breeze may still provide an engaging typing experience, but the specifics of its sound and feel remain unclear, which could leave some users uncertain about their preference.

Conclusion

To summarize, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a smooth, linear feel and a lightweight actuation that allows for quick typing and less finger fatigue, the Jelly switch could be the ideal option for you. Its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature creates a pleasant auditory experience that can enhance your enjoyment during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides tactile feedback and a slightly higher actuation force for a more deliberate typing experience, the Spring Breeze may be your best bet. While it lacks a defined sound profile, its clicky action can offer a satisfying response as you type, ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preferences when making your choice; if you’re after a smooth and quieter experience, go for the Jelly, but if you enjoy tactile clicks and a bit more resistance, the Spring Breeze is likely the better option.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more