HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both stand out as excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences. The HMX Jelly is renowned for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature and lightweight feel, thanks to its 42g actuation force. Its excellent factory lubrication ensures a super smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for users who value quiet operation and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight feel with a robust all-POM construction that balances quality and affordability. With a similar thocky sound profile and an equally smooth performance, the Smoothie is perfect for those seeking durability without breaking the bank. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, they cater to different tactile sensations and ergonomic needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we see a contrast between two commonly used materials: nylon for the Jelly and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie. The Jelly's nylon top and bottom housings are noted for their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic signature. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housings create a satisfying and distinct sound that is also on the deeper side, but with a unique property of being relatively muted. This difference suggests that while both switches may deliver a desirable sound experience, the sourcing of sound profiles will vary based on the materials used.
Both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie feature housing materials that contribute significantly to their overall auditory qualities, but their differences impact the tactile experience as well. With the Jelly, the nylon's softer composition allows for a more plush bottom-out feel, enhancing the typing experience by providing a fuller sound associated with each keystroke. Conversely, the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a unique and pleasant sound, albeit with a focus on a more muted typing experience. This variance indicates that while both switches might share a deeper sound profile, the interaction of POM with the keys provides a different feedback mechanism that some typists may prefer for its distinctiveness.
Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver satisfying auditory feedback, and though they use different materials for their housings, they can achieve similar sound profiles due to the properties inherent in each material. For instance, the Jelly's nylon and the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM can create a warmer sound that is perceived as deep and muted, making either choice suitable for those looking for a luxurious typing experience. However, the key difference lies in the effectiveness of sound absorption and overall feedback; while users will enjoy the fullness of the Jelly's nylon housing, they may also appreciate the unique texture and sound of a keystroke from the POM housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie, allowing for personal preference to dictate the ultimate selection.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences in their actuation forces highlight their suitability for different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, such as during long work sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a more substantial push feel that may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger feedback while typing. However, the lack of data regarding its bottom out force makes it difficult to fully evaluate how it compares in this aspect. While the Jelly is the lighter option overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie, being heavier in terms of actuation force, caters to those who seek a more tactile and pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm indicates that the Jelly switch allows for a deeper press compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie, which might provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, aligning with the trend of shorter travel experiences. Thus, for individuals who favor a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the better option, whereas those who prefer a more pronounced travel feel might gravitate toward the HMX Jelly. Overall, while both switches offer a smooth linear action, the Jelly provides a slightly longer travel distance, catering to users who appreciate that added depth.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 known for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, creating an auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its rich tone. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch also delivers a thocky sound profile, offering a similar audio quality. This consistency in sound is important to note, as factors like the keyboard board and keycap material can further influence the final auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch stands out for its remarkable smoothness, attributed to its excellent factory lubrication, making it a delight for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie, built from all-POM material and marketed as a medium-weight switch, also focuses on smooth operation but potentially offers a different tactile experience due to its weight characteristics. While both switches are designed for an enjoyable feel, the Jelly is lighter with a 42g actuation force compared to the medium weight of the Sea Salt Smoothie, which can affect user preference.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide a satisfying auditory experience with their thocky sound profiles, making them appealing choices for those who enjoy a deeper sound signature. In terms of feel, the Jelly's lighter actuation and superior smoothness may cater to different preferences compared to the medium-weight Sea Salt Smoothie. While both switches excel in smoothness, the key difference in actuation force and weight will ultimately guide newcomers on which switch might best suit their typing style and overall preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its 48g bottom out force and exceptionally smooth actuation, complemented by factory lubrication, make it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where agility matters. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a balanced middle ground with a robust build and that also maintains a pleasing sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be better suited. Although information on its bottom out force is unavailable, users generally appreciate its medium weight and quality, making it a great pick for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Depending on whether you seek a feather-light touch or a more substantial feel, each switch can enhance your typing experience in its own way, thus presenting you with a tailored choice based on your personal preferences.
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