HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct experiences, each catering to different preferences and environments. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that gives a satisfying auditory feedback to users, combined with its exceptionally smooth operation due to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of 42g. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience without heavy resistance, perfect for gaming and typing alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black prioritizes discretion, boasting a silenced design that excels in quieter settings, making it the perfect fit for office environments or shared spaces. With its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch offers a more muted typing experience without sacrificing comfort. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches exhibit significant differences that influence their overall sound profiles and tactile responses. The HMX Jelly utilizes classic nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This material's softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, which is absorbed rather than amplified. Consequently, typing on HMX Jelly switches creates a rounder and more muted auditory experience, perfect for users who prefer a softer touch while minimizing noise. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, producing a distinctly different acoustic characteristic. The INK blend's pointed and high-pitched sound is often described as clacky, offering a sharper tonal quality that engages a different auditory preference.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of both switch types, the materials once again play crucial roles in shaping the typing experience. With the HMX Jelly, both housings retain nylon’s sound-deadening properties, meaning that the switch maintains a consistent duller profile from top to bottom. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's use of the INK blend in both the top and bottom allows for a more pronounced sound differentiation—especially noticeable in the bottom-out and release phases. While the bottom housing generally impacts the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, the high-pitched sounds produced by the INK blend remain consistent due to the material's characteristics.
In summary, the notable distinction between the HMX Jelly's nylon and the Gateron Silent Ink Black's INK blend means that each switch will appeal to different user preferences. While both switches offer enjoyable tactile feedback, the Jelly emphasizes a deeper, fuller sound that is more subdued, while the Silent Ink Black is tailored to deliver a sharper, more pronounced auditory experience. For users seeking a quieter typing experience, the Jelly stands out; conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced clack may prefer the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, users can expect unique sound profiles and tactile feedback that reflect the characteristics of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This contrast means that the Jelly is easier to press and would typically be less fatiguing over long durations, while the Silent Ink Black offers a firmer resistance that some users might find more satisfying. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch experience, the HMX Jelly is the clear choice, whereas those who prefer a heavier feel should opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Jelly switch travels 0.2 mm less than the Silent Ink Black switch. As 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, the Silent Ink Black aligns with that standard, offering a more pronounced feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Jelly switch may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, although some users may find it feels too abrupt. Therefore, if you're aiming for a balance of responsiveness and depth, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Jelly switch would suit those who prefer a more immediate action.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 produces a distinctly low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which many enthusiasts appreciate for its satisfying auditory feedback. This sound is further enhanced by the excellent factory lubrication, contributing to a harmonious acoustic profile that feels rich and engaging during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed specifically for quieter environments, offering a muted typing experience with significantly reduced audio feedback. Its cushy bottom-out feel minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical typing, making it an excellent choice for those who need to maintain a peaceful setting, such as an office or shared workspace.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the HMX Jelly provides a notably smooth typing experience due to its lightweight actuation force of 42g, allowing for effortless key presses without feeling overly taxing on the fingers. Its design promotes a fluid typing motion that many users find preferable. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black switch is known for its silky and polished feel, reflecting a high level of refinement and smoothness that enhances overall typing joy. The cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel offers a soft landing, which is particularly enjoyable during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches excel in their own right, they cater to somewhat different preferences and needs. If you're seeking a deeper auditory experience with a smooth actuation, the Jelly may be the right fit. However, if a quieter, cushier typing experience is a priority, the Silent Ink Black is ideal. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the rich thocky sounds of the Jelly or the subdued, muted feedback of the Silent Ink Black, allowing you to find the perfect balance of sound and feel that suits your workspace or gaming setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a lightweight switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly would be a great choice. Its 42g actuation force and 48g bottom-out force make it easy to type on for extended periods, making it ideal for users who enjoy a fast-paced typing style or those who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you work in a quieter setting or simply prefer a switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is likely the better fit. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that includes the added benefit of being silenced, delivering a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out without the typical mechanical noise. The silky and polished smoothness of these switches enhances typing comfort, particularly for longer sessions. In essence, choose the HMX Jelly for a lively, lightweight experience, and opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black for a more muted, refined touch in quieter environments.
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