HMX Jelly vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX Jelly and the Durock Sea Glass present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Jelly switches are celebrated for their appealingly deep thocky sound signature and lightweight feel, requiring only a 42g actuation force. Their smooth performance is further enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, making them a top choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback and a light touch. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out not only for their five captivating pastel colors but also for their unique typing experience, characterized by a wispiness and airiness facilitated by a proprietary material blend. Although the Sea Glass switches have a 62g bottom-out force, their frictionless design gives them a weightlessness that many users find surprisingly satisfying, along with a distinctly hollow sound signature. Each switch offers its unique charm — the Jelly with its thocky auditory response and lightweight operation, and the Sea Glass with its elegant aesthetic and airy feel. 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 Sea Glass Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Durock Sea Glass switches, distinct differences and similarities become apparent. The Jelly utilizes a traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is noted for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This attribute is beneficial in reducing sharpness in sound, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. This innovative combination not only retains some of the benefits of nylon but also adds a brighter sound profile, which is more pleasant and less harsh.

Despite the differences in materials, both switches exhibit beneficial properties derived from their respective housings. The Jelly’s nylon is valuable for absorbing sound, yielding a softer typing experience that complements its classic design. Simultaneously, the Sea Glass's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, while maintaining a softer undertone similar to nylon, introduces a brighter aspect. This distinction can appeal to users looking for a more dynamic auditory feedback while still enjoying the benefits of a sound-absorbing design. Ultimately, while the Jelly aims for a rounded and deep sound, the Sea Glass brings a slightly more vibrant experience without sacrificing the expected qualities of softer materials.

Furthermore, it's crucial to consider how these materials affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a critical role in the sound emitted when releasing keys. In this context, if one were to utilize both switch types in a keyboard, the result would showcase a merging of characteristics. The Jelly's fully nylon construction would resonate with a deeper sound profile, whereas the Sea Glass would offer a more balanced and brighter audio feedback. In essence, while the housing materials differ inherently, users can achieve similar overall satisfaction by understanding and leveraging the strengths of each type in their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience that some users find preferable for tactile feedback and control. Thus, the HMX Jelly is the lighter option overall in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Durock Sea Glass is heavier, appealing more to those who enjoy a firmer feel in their keystrokes. If user preferences lean towards a light switch for comfort during long usage, the Jelly would be the ideal choice, whereas the Sea Glass would suit those who appreciate a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance contributes to a consistent key feel, allowing for a comparable typing and gaming experience between the two options. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those choosing between them can focus on other characteristics, such as actuation force or sound profile, to determine which switch best suits their preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Jelly linear switch is noted for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. This lends itself to a rich, full tone that many users appreciate for its comforting presence. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature that is characterized by a distinctly dry, wispiness. While the sound of the Jelly might provide a deeper resonance, the Sea Glass presents an airy quality that can be intriguing for those who appreciate a more subtle auditory experience. It's important to remember that the sound perceived from either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard assembly, including the type of board and keycaps used.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Jelly stands out for its super smooth typing experience attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g. This results in a pleasant and fluid keystroke that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches also focus on smoothness but incorporate a sense of frictionless ease combined with a mild, feathery touch. With a higher bottom-out force of 62g, these switches may require a bit more finger exertion, yet they foster a light and effortless actuation that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort, but they provide distinctly different sensations—where the Jelly leans towards a smooth and lightweight experience, the Sea Glass offers a unique combination of lightness with an enduring feel.

In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches present appealing qualities tailored for different preferences. The Jelly excels with its deep sound and smooth, lightweight action, while the Sea Glass captivates with its airy sound and frictionless feel that allows for easy typing. Depending on your tastes, you might find a connection to each switch’s unique attributes, and while the qualities differ, each switch is designed to create a pleasurable typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish.

Conclusion

In summary, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and Durock Sea Glass linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a smooth and deep thocky sound, the Jelly switches may be the perfect fit for you. Their low actuation force of 42 grams makes them effortless to press, minimizing finger fatigue during longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a medium actuation force, distinct dryness, and a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switches could be the better option. The 62-gram bottom-out force still offers a surprising lightness due to their frictionless nature, making them suitable for all-day typing while retaining a fun aesthetic with their playful pastel colors. Thus, should you favor a more tactile and engaging sound profile, the HMX Jelly linear switches will cater to your needs, while for a balanced and airy typing experience with a delightful visual appeal, the Durock Sea Glass switches are your go-to. Choose according to how you want your keyboard experience to feel and sound, and you'll be sure to find satisfaction in either option.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more