HMX Jelly vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer two intriguing yet distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Jelly switch stands out with its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, complemented by an incredibly smooth feel thanks to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback and a light touch while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear introduces a cutting-edge innovation with its unique design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a more pronounced clacky bottom-out sound. This switch is celebrated for its silky smooth action without being excessively polished, and its subdued yet snappy feel can appeal to users seeking a balance between noise management and tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Jelly appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced thock while typing, and the Jwick catering to users who favor a quieter yet satisfying keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, a noteworthy distinction arises in their respective top housing materials. The Jelly employs a nylon top housing while the Semi-Silent Linear features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon construction of the Jelly contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate material of the Semi-Silent Linear is inherently stiffer and thus facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. It's this divergence in material properties that plays a crucial role in shaping the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch, making them unique in their auditory output.
On the other hand, both the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share a commonality in their bottom housing—both utilize nylon. This similarity means that both switches will provide the same deeper and fuller sound when pressing down the keys. The nylon bottom housing acts as a sound absorber and contributes to a consistent bottom-out feel that enhances the tactile experience of both switches. As a result, despite their different top housings leading to distinct sound profiles during release, users will still experience a similar foundational acoustic quality when the keys are bottomed out.
In summary, while the HMX Jelly and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, their nylon bottom housings bridge some of the sound profile disparities. The Jelly's nylon top produces a softer sound experience, creating a more muted auditory sensation, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top results in a clearer and more resonant sound. However, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a comparable bottoming-out experience, making them versatile options depending on whether users are seeking fullness or clarity in their typing sounds. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile during key release.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Jelly switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unspecified actuation force and a significantly heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams, suggesting a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push. This contrast in bottom-out forces indicates that while both switches are designed for linear actuation, the Jelly offers a gentler feedback, whereas the Jwick demands more effort, catering to different user preferences. Overall, the HMX Jelly switch is the lighter option, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the heavier choice, appealing to users looking for a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Jelly the longer of the two, offering a more significant depth that some users might find preferable for a more tactile and hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and users seeking a quicker response time, allowing for zippier keystrokes and less finger fatigue during prolonged use. If both switches are compared based on travel distance alone, they provide similar usability, but the Jelly offers a slightly more pronounced sensation as you reach the bottom, catering to those who enjoy a deeper keypress.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky tone, which provides a satisfying auditory experience that's rich and full. This sound profile is enhanced by the excellent factory lubrication, allowing for a well-rounded and harmonious typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued auditory quality; while it maintains a noticeable clack upon bottoming out, it features a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. The overall sound is neutral, making it versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at the office or at home. Therefore, while the Jelly offers a more pronounced acoustic signature, the Semi-Silent Linear presents an option that is quieter yet still gives a clacky response.
Regarding the feel, the Jelly switch is recognized for its ultra-smooth keystroke owing to quality control and lubrication, providing an effortless and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch presents a combination of mild and snappy characteristics, which contributes to a gentle yet responsive feel. This switch also has a buttery smoothness, ensuring fluid key travel and minimal friction, augmented further by its polished nature. The Jelly is lightweight with a 42g actuation force, offering a distinctly lightweight typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear’s responsiveness makes it feel lively and engaging without sacrificing comfort.
In summary, both switches deliver unique yet enjoyable experiences. The Jelly is perfect for those who appreciate a rich, full sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear caters to those who favor a quieter operation without compromising responsiveness. Although their auditory and tactile qualities differ, both switches are designed to provide smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage context. If you prioritize a lighter feel and a distinct sound profile, the HMX Jelly, with its 42g actuation force and 48g bottom-out force, might be your best choice. It excels in providing a super smooth typing experience paired with a deep, thocky sound, making it particularly appealing for casual typing or gaming where both responsiveness and sound enjoyment are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more moderate force and a sound profile that balances quiet operation with a bit of character, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear could be more suitable for you. Its 62g bottom-out force delivers a mildly snappy tactile feedback, while its semi-silent nature offers a subdued sound when typing, making it an excellent choice for work environments or shared spaces where noise could be an issue. Ultimately, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—whether it’s sound, feel, or the actuation force—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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