HMX Jelly vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and Durock Piano stand out as two exceptional linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Jelly switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory experience while typing. With a lightweight 42g actuation force and excellent factory lubrication, it ensures a super smooth keystroke, perfect for users who prioritize responsiveness. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch distinguishes itself with a proprietary material blend that creates a gliding push feel, coupled with a deep, creamy sound signature; this makes it a preferred choice for typists who enjoy a more luxurious typing experience. While both switches deliver a linear feel that minimizes tactile feedback and is great for rapid typing, their sound profiles and actuation experiences offer distinct advantages. 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

Durock Piano Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the Durock Piano switches exhibit distinct yet comparable characteristics in their housing materials, which significantly influence the overall typing experience and sound profiles. The Jelly’s use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings aligns with its reputation as a classic material in the keyboard switch space. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile; its ability to absorb sound effectively dampens vibrations, resulting in a softer and rounder auditory experience. This consistent nylon composition allows the Jelly to present a pleasantly muted typing sound, giving users a smooth engagement with each keystroke.

In contrast, the Durock Piano switches utilize a proprietary blend of POM for their housing, which, while not fully disclosed, is known to offer a satisfying and rich sound quality. Although POM is generally a harder plastic than nylon, the unique characteristics of this blend can still create a deep sound profile similar to that of the Jelly. The Piano switches’ differentiated top and bottom housings, however, mean that the impact of the material variance is felt differently during typing; the top housing will affect the release sound, while the bottom focuses on the bottom-out experience. The resulting sound profile may still evoke a similar richness, as the POM’s properties could emulate the damping qualities seen in nylon under the right conditions.

When analyzing the sound profiles of the Jelly and Piano switches, it becomes evident that while their materials differ—nylon for Jelly and POM for Piano—the outcome can produce similar auditory results. Users may find that both switches can deliver a satisfying keystroke experience, albeit via different pathways. The Jelly's uniform nylon design provides a more cohesive sound experience, while the Piano’s POM blend introduces a layer of complexity that can enrich the overall typing acoustics. Thus, the combination of nylon's soft, sound-absorbing qualities and POM's engineered properties leads to comparable depths in sound, allowing aficionados to appreciate both switch types for different reasons while still arriving at similar sound profiles in their everyday use.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly boasts a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a lighter touch, which can enhance typing endurance during extended sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, although its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests that it requires more effort to press down fully, providing a more substantial and resistive typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. As a result, the Jelly is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and prolonged use, while the Piano caters to users seeking a firmer key press. Overall, if the actuation force of the Piano were known but remained higher than that of the Jelly, the distinction in force would contribute to the decision-making process for potential users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it's clear that there is a distinction between the two. The Jelly switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Piano switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Jelly the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as the reduced travel can facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Piano, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference, with the Jelly suited for those favoring responsiveness and the Piano appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is recognized for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. This sound profile aligns with a more muted, yet rich acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep, creamy sound signature that leans toward a bassy character. The Piano's sound is described as deeper and richer during key presses, providing an engaging auditory experience. While both switches offer sounds that are pleasant and distinct, the Jelly leans towards thocky and thumpy tones, whereas the Piano offers a bassy richness that enhances its typing experience.

Regarding the feel, the Jelly switch is exceptional due to its noted smoothness, a product of excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by a gliding push feel, resulting in a frictionless typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth. It also has a silky texture, further enhancing the fluidity of the keypresses. While both switches offer a smooth experience, the Jelly leans towards a more lightweight tactile feel, while the Piano emphasizes a luxurious gliding sensation that many typists appreciate.

In conclusion, the HMX Jelly and Durock Piano linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. Both switches possess unique sound profiles, with the Jelly offering a thocky presence and the Piano delivering a bassier, creamy tone. In terms of feel, both switches excel in smoothness but approach it from different angles— the Jelly being lightweight and smooth, and the Piano favoring an almost effortless gliding motion. Depending on your typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, but your choice may heavily depend on whether you prioritize the deeper sound of the Piano or the thocky quality of the Jelly.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch will largely depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a unique, deep thocky sound, the HMX Jelly switches are an excellent option. With their low actuation force of just 42 grams, they’re ideal for fast typists who appreciate minimal resistance and a smoother, more effortless key press. Conversely, if you seek a more substantial feel under your fingers and a richer auditory experience, the Durock Piano switches would likely be more appealing. Their medium-heavy 63.5 grams of bottom-out force provides a satisfying push-back, and the deep, creamy sound signature can enhance your overall typing pleasure, offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, consider your priorities: opt for the Jelly if you value lightness and a unique sound, or choose the Piano if you prefer a robust feel and an enjoyable auditory depth.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more