HMX Jelly vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular choices among enthusiasts are the HMX Jelly and the Huano Sakura, both of which are linear switches offering distinctive characteristics tailored for different users. The Jelly switches are celebrated for their low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature and smooth keystrokes, thanks to exceptional factory lubrication, coupled with a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, making them an ideal choice for gamers seeking speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switches feature a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, which can enhance the typing experience for those who engage in prolonged writing or office tasks, providing comfort without the strain of heavier switches. Each switch has its unique benefits that cater to varying preferences and use cases; 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
35g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and Huano Sakura switches stand out in the keyboard community not only for their performance but also for the materials used in their construction. The Jelly employs a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its classic properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura features a top housing made from POK, or polyketone, a material known for its exceptional smoothness and strength. While the Sakura provides a clackier sound profile, it benefits from its superior wear and shock resistance compared to nylon, thus enhancing its overall durability. Thus, while both switches feature high-quality materials, their sound signatures and tactile experiences differ significantly due to the unique properties of POK and nylon.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile that echoes the deeper characteristics associated with nylon materials. This shared component means that both the Jelly and Sakura will exhibit a similar performance in terms of sound when the switch is bottomed out. The underlying softness of nylon continues to absorb sound and reduce sharp noises, contributing to a more rounded auditory signature upon key depression. This commonality suggests that despite differences in the top housing materials leading to varied sound profiles when releasing a key, the foundational experience for both switches remains anchored in a familiar, softer sound profile at the bottom.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Jelly and Huano Sakura hinges on user preference for top housing materials and how they influence the overall typing experience. If one favors a deeper, fuller sound on key press while appreciating added smoothness and durability, the Jelly with its nylon top may be more appealing. Alternatively, if a clackier sound and enhanced strength are the desired attributes, the Sakura's POK top housing shines. Regardless of the choice, the shared nylon base ensures that both switches will provide a satisfying bottom-out sound, tying together the experiences in a commendable manner while allowing the distinct characteristics of each top housing to emerge during use.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both feature relatively low actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for users who prefer lighter typing experiences. The Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Sakura has an even lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is the lighter option overall, both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. While both switches allow for extended typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue, the Jelly’s higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a slightly stronger push feel, appealing to those who may prefer a bit more substance in their keystrokes. Overall, while both switches are light, the Huano Sakura linear switch is the better choice for users prioritizing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Jelly offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Sakura's shorter travel distance could provide quicker actuation times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for rapid response and seamless key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you favor the tactile feedback of a deeper keystroke, the HMX Jelly would be the better option, while those seeking a snappier feel may lean towards the Huano Sakura.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This makes it appealing to those who appreciate a more muted yet resonant sound when they strike the keys. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch delivers a feather-light touch paired with medium acoustics, which makes it relatively quieter during use. This difference in sound can cater to different preferences; while the Jelly may be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced acoustic experience, the Sakura is well-suited for individuals seeking a gentler sound profile that permits prolonged use without much auditory fatigue.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is noted for its super smooth operation, attributed to excellent factory lubrication, which contributes to a seamless typing experience. The lightweight actuation force of 42g further enhances this pleasant feel, making it easy on the fingers during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sakura switch offers a feather-light touch, promoting effortless keystrokes that can be ideal for typists who value a light touch. However, the description does not convey the same level of smoothness attributed to the Jelly switch, suggesting that while both offer light and easy actuation, the Jelly may provide a more refined tactile experience.
Overall, both the HMX Jelly and the Huano Sakura linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Jelly stands out with its deep, thocky sound and exceptionally smooth feel, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy robust auditory feedback and seamless actions. Conversely, the Sakura appeals to typists who prefer a quieter, more feather-light touch conducive to extended writing sessions. Although both switches cater to users seeking light actuation, the subjective qualities of sound and feel offer distinct choices that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a smooth and light typing experience enhanced by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound, the Jelly switch is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 42 grams makes it ideal for those who type quickly or spend extended periods on their keyboard, as the sound and feedback may enhance your overall enjoyment and efficiency. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, especially for long typing sessions, the Sakura switch could be a better fit. Although slightly heavier in bottom-out force at 45 grams, its unique sound profile and tactile feel provide a satisfying experience without being overly taxing on your fingers. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the type of work you do, and how much sound you desire from your keyboard to make the best choice for yourself.
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