HMX Jelly vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Two popular linear switches that have garnered attention are the HMX Jelly and the Akko Rosewood. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, offering a uniquely satisfying auditory experience while being incredibly smooth due to its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight actuation force of 42g. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood also produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, making it a great choice for those who appreciate quality acoustics. While both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience and enjoyable sound profiles, your personal preference in actuation force and sound quality may influence your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the HMX Jelly and the Akko Rosewood are identical, as both feature a nylon top and bottom housing. Each of these housing configurations contributes to an enhanced typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, plays a significant role in sound absorption, which helps to minimize harsher acoustic frequencies. As a result, keyboard enthusiasts can expect similar auditory characteristics from both switches, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a more muted and satisfying keystroke. With both models employing nylon construction, users can anticipate a distinct typing experience that is inherently pleasing to the ear.
While the HMX Jelly and Akko Rosewood utilize the same nylon material for both their top and bottom housings, the nuances of their overall typing experience may still vary. Each switch's bottom housing will predominantly influence the feel and sound when a key is fully pressed down, while the top housing will dictate how the sound is perceived when releasing a key. Therefore, even with the same nylon material, slight differences in switch design, actuation force, or travel distance may lead to subtle variations in feedback and acoustics during actual use. Ultimately, both designs give a well-rounded auditory experience, but the distinct construction and user preferences may affect how these switches are perceived in practice.
In summary, the HMX Jelly and Akko Rosewood switches, despite their differences in branding or design aesthetics, deliver a similar auditory profile and tactile experience due to their shared nylon housing components. Users can expect a harmonious blend of soft sound and comfortable keystrokes, aligning with the characteristics typically favored by keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, whether a user opts for the Jelly or the Rosewood, they can rest assured that both options provide a high-quality typing experience, thanks to the benefits inherent in nylon as a classic switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch with the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both switches fall into the category of lighter switches, appealing to those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Rosewood switch has a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams but a higher bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Rosewood switch requires less force to actuate, it demands a bit more effort to bottom out compared to the Jelly switch. Ultimately, the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option in terms of actuation, while the HMX Jelly is slightly heavier regarding bottoming out. For users looking for a light feel overall, they will find both switches conducive to comfortable typing experiences, but with small variances in the force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find that the HMX Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko Rosewood measures 4 mm. This means that the Jelly offers a shorter travel distance, potentially catering more to gamers who favor faster response times and a snappier feel. On the other hand, the Rosewood, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're looking for a quicker and more responsive experience, the HMX Jelly would be the ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a more traditional and hearty depth, the Akko Rosewood is likely to feel more satisfying.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that adds a rich auditory experience to typing or gaming. This sound is complemented by the switch's excellent factory lube, which further enhances its acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch also produces a deep and satisfying thocky sound, benefiting from a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that helps to smooth out the auditory experience. While both switches provide a similar thocky quality, the nuances of their sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which may further distinguish the auditory experience between these two switches.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly linear switch is noted for its super smooth operation, which makes it highly enjoyable to type on, especially given its lightweight actuation force of 42g. This combination of smoothness and lower resistance can lead to a fluid typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a light touch. In contrast, the Rosewood linear switch is also designed to provide a pleasant feel, but specific details about its tactile qualities and actuation force are not mentioned. While both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, the Jelly’s particular lightweight nature and exceptional smoothness may set it apart for users who prioritize those attributes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer a deep, thocky sound that enhances the auditory experience of typing or gaming, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts. The Jelly's super smooth feel and 42g lightweight actuation provide a distinct advantage for those seeking a more effortless typing experience. While the Rosewood switch may also deliver a satisfying feel, the lack of detailed information prevents a direct comparison in that aspect. Ultimately, those interested in either switch can expect a rewarding experience, with the potential for similar sound qualities, but the Jelly might cater better to those who prioritize smoothness and actuation force in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a very smooth feel and a pronounced, low-pitched thocky sound, the HMX Jelly would be an excellent choice, especially if you are seeking a satisfying typing experience for daily use, gaming, or prolonged typing sessions. Its lower actuation force of 42 grams makes it ideal for fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier switch with a notable deep sound signature and a solid, satisfying feedback, the Akko Rosewood might be the better option. Its actuation force of 50 grams provides a more tactile experience that some users find reassuring, making it suitable for those who want to feel more resistance while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what elements matter more to you in terms of feel, sound, and actuation force, and choose the switch that aligns best with your keyboard experience.
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