HMX Jelly vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Jelly and the Outemu Tom can greatly influence your typing experience. The HMX Jelly, renowned for its linear design, offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that many users find satisfying. Its lightweight actuation force of 42g contributes to a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a noiseless keystroke and a more fluid typing motion. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom, classified as a tactile switch, provides a distinctly different typing feel. While it lacks the specific sound signature known to the Jelly, tactile switches like the Tom are appreciated for their feedback upon actuation, giving typists a more pronounced sense of engagement with each keypress. This can enhance typing accuracy, particularly for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and feedback while typing. Thus, while the Jelly excels in smoothness and quiet operation, the Tom may cater more to those who thrive on tactile sensations. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 HMX Jelly and the Outemu Tom switches have distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience of each switch. The Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This quality allows the nylon to absorb more sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Tom features a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate contribute to a clear and resonant sound when the switch is activated, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer more auditory feedback while typing or gaming.
Although the top housings of these switches are made from different materials, they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This commonality lends a consistent element to their sound profiles, as both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing serves to absorb sound effectively and contributes to the overall tactile feedback during key presses. Consequently, while the Jelly's nylon top housing and Tom's polycarbonate counterpart create contrasting upper sound characteristics, both switches harmonize in their deeper sound basis when the key is fully depressed due to their shared nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials lead to distinct experiences when typing or gaming. The Jelly's nylon top results in a subdued sound profile, which may be favored by those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate top enhances the acoustic feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound. However, when considering the overall performance, users can achieve a semblance of similar results by focusing on the impact of the nylon bottom housing shared by both switches. This aspect allows users to experience a blend of both sound profiles, potentially making either switch attractive to a broader range of preferences.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, impacting users’ typing experiences. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended sessions at work or during gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that caters to users who favor a firmer push when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unspecified, leaving that aspect unclear. Overall, if a user prioritizes a lighter switch for comfort, they should opt for the HMX Jelly, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might lean toward the Outemu Tom.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that in terms of switch travel, the Jelly provides a more substantial depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Tom, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation and a more responsive typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences—depth versus responsiveness—users who prioritize faster response times may find the Tom more suited to their needs, whereas those who enjoy a more sturdy feel may opt for the Jelly. In this comparison, the Outemu Tom is the shorter switch at 3.3 mm, and the HMX Jelly is the longer one at 3.8 mm.
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 Tom 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, thocky sound signature, which contributes to a pleasant auditory experience while typing. This characteristic is particularly favored by users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback without the distractions of higher-pitched noises. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch has no specific sound profile extensively documented, which indicates a lack of notable sound characteristics; this absence may appeal to users who prefer a quieter experience or those who prioritize different features in their switches. Ultimately, it's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for its super smooth operation, a quality enhanced by excellent factory lubrication. With a lightweight actuation force of 42 grams, it provides an effortless typing experience that many users find comfortable for extended periods. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have any documented information regarding its feel, which leaves a gap in evaluating how it may compare. As tactile switches tend to have some level of feedback, it’s reasonable to assume the Tom may provide a different sensation from the Jelly, likely engaging users who enjoy that tactile bump but without specific details to gauge its smoothness or actuation force.
In summary, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a distinctive low-pitched sound profile and a notably smooth feel with its lightweight actuation, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's auditory and tactile experiences remain largely unspecified. This makes the Jelly a compelling choice for users seeking a satisfying auditory and tactile typing experience, whereas the Tom may serve those who prefer a less-defined sound and are potentially more interested in tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you value a well-rounded experience, the Jelly may be preferable, but clarifying the feel of the Outemu Tom would provide a fuller understanding for those considering it.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, as well as your typing style. If you favor a lightweight typing experience with a smooth action, the HMX Jelly switch would be well-suited for you, especially given its low-pitched, deep thocky sound and impressive factory lubrication that enhances its smoothness. This makes the Jelly an excellent choice for fast-paced typing or gaming where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you love a more tactile experience that provides feedback with each keystroke, you might want to consider a tactile switch like the Outemu Tom, which can enhance your focus and precision while typing, though specific characteristics for this switch are less defined. Thus, if you tend to prefer a pronounced "bump" in your switches or enjoy that tactile feeling for better accuracy, then the Tom will serve your needs well. In summary, assess what aspects matter most to you: the smooth, swift action of the Jelly or the tactile feedback of the Tom, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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