HMX Jelly vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence both your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX Jelly is widely celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound profile that resonates with a deep, satisfying tone, making it a favorite among those who appreciate auditory feedback. Its smooth keystrokes, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, paired with a lightweight 42g actuation force, provide a gentle yet firm typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches are designed for a completely different feel, boasting an incredibly feather-light 35g actuation force that suits delicate typists and those who prefer a minimal effort while typing. These switches are characterized by a gliding sensation and a playful, poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, making them a fun addition to any keyboard setup. While both switches are linear and emphasize smoothness, their sound profiles, actuation forces, and tactile feedback offer distinct experiences worthy of consideration. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches showcase two distinct approaches in their housing materials, with the Jelly utilizing nylon and the Sakura Pink employing polycarbonate. The nylon used in the Jelly’s housing is known for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is indicative of nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. On the contrary, the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate housing promotes a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This difference in material translates to contrasting auditory experiences, where the Jelly favors a classic, muted sound, while the Sakura Pink offers a more vibrant and resonant sound profile.

In considering the bottom housings, the disparity between the Jelly’s nylon and the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate remains apparent. The Jelly’s nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to a softer sound signature, providing a harmonious consistency with its top housing. This soft absorption allows for a pleasing typing experience that delivers a smooth bottom-out feel. Conversely, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the clarity and sharpness of each keystroke, resulting in a more pronounced sound upon bottoming out. Consequently, these differences in the bottom housings also mean that the two switches will have distinct tactile experiences, with Jelly providing a weightier and softer feedback, whereas the Sakura Pink offers a sharper response.

Despite these fundamental differences, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound when utilizing either switch. The Jelly’s softer nylon housing will yield a thicker sound, yet users who favor a clearer, more resonant typing experience might find that pairing them effectively—as in utilizing dynamic keycap profiles or carefully selecting the keyboard's acoustic materials—might allow both switches to shine in their respective characteristics. Essentially, while the materials directly influence sound profiles, thoughtful customization can meld these unique sound signatures into a more cohesive auditory experience, whether users prefer the deep, rich tones of the Jelly or the more sparkling notes of the Sakura Pink.

Weight

In comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Sakura Pink switch has a lighter actuation force at 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura Pink is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the HMX Jelly, being slightly heavier, provides a more substantial feedback with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Both switches offer a relatively light feel overall, but the Sakura Pink edges out in terms of ease of actuation and softer bottoming out, making it the better choice for those prioritizing comfort in extended use.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch measures 4.0 mm in travel distance. This means that the Jelly switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sakura Pink switch. For gamers who prioritize faster response times and prefer a more responsive feel during gameplay, the Jelly switch may be the better choice due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, with its longer travel distance, may cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: opt for the HMX Jelly if you seek speed, and the Everglide Sakura Pink if you prefer a more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thock that contributes to a solid acoustic presence on the keyboard. This switch's auditory signature can evoke a satisfying resonance, creating a rich typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a softer, more playful sound reminiscent of muted pops, akin to bubble wrap being compressed. While the Jelly delivers a more pronounced thock, the Sakura Pink leans towards a quieter, less intrusive sound, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. However, it’s worth noting that the overall sound experience can still vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is recognized for its exceptionally smooth operation, largely attributed to its high-quality factory lubrication and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This provides a tactile sensation reminiscent of fluid typing, enhancing the overall experience. The Sakura Pink switches, on the other hand, excel in providing a light and effortless keystroke with a feather-light actuation force of just 35g. They offer a buttery, creamy feel with a frictionless operation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This makes them ideal for typists who prefer a lighter touch and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches contribute to a smooth typing experience, yet they cater to slightly different preferences: the Jelly emphasizes a low-resistance, solid feel, while the Sakura Pink focuses on an ultra-light and seamless interaction.

Overall, both the HMX Jelly and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches provide unique qualities that enhance the typing experience. The Jelly appeals to those who enjoy a deeper sound and a smooth yet slightly more substantial feel, while the Sakura Pink attracts users seeking a lighter, quieter, and more playful touch with its glide and effortless operation. Your choice ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and the desired typing sensation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch will depend on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a deeper, thocky sound signature and appreciate a smooth typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, the HMX Jelly is an excellent fit, particularly for those who enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with a more substantial feel. This switch is ideal for both gaming and typing, especially if you prefer a satisfying auditory response alongside your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a feather-light feel with playful acoustic characteristics, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch would be your go-to. With its 35g actuation force and poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap, it caters particularly well to delicate typists and those who prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience. Its creamy and frictionless nature makes it perfect for lengthy typing sessions without fatigue. In summary, choose the HMX Jelly for a robust, fuller sound and tactile feedback, while the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a superbly light touch and delightful sound for a more playful typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more