HMX Jelly vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the delightful world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both stand out as exceptional choices, though they cater to different preferences. The HMX Jelly switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep “thock” sound signature, coupled with a super smooth feel thanks to excellent factory lube and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback while typing, offering a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g excels in providing an ultra-quiet typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. With a slightly higher actuation force of 43g, this switch caters to typists who prefer a more serene, undisturbed workspace. Both switches possess unique traits, appealing to varied typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches exhibit notable similarities in their top housing materials, both featuring nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its inherently softer composition allows it to absorb sound more efficiently than harder plastics, producing a rounder and mellower auditory experience. This shared characteristic means both switch types will resonate similarly when typing, offering users a satisfying sound that is less harsh and more soothing, regardless of which of the two switches is in use.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches differ significantly. The Jelly utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, further enhancing the deep and full sound profile, which is consistent with its top housing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference comes from the stiffness of polycarbonate, contributing to a more resonant auditory experience that contrasts with the Jelly’s muted audio output. Consequently, the distinct materials will cause the switches to produce different sound qualities when bottomed out, despite their similar top housings.
The varying bottom housing materials mean that while the HMX Jelly provides a consistent sound profile from top to bottom, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g's mixed materials create a more layered auditory effect. When pressed, the Jelly will evoke a rounded sound, offering a cohesive experience, while the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a blend of crispness on the bottoming out due to the polycarbonate. However, when released, both switches will deliver the same deeper tonal quality attributed to their nylon top housing. This division of attributes results in both switches being capable of providing a unique typing experience, though they will share a common auditory richness when key releases are executed.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter option overall, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Jelly. The Jelly switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which might appeal to users who prefer a firmer feel while typing. Conversely, those who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming might prefer the lighter Silent Sakura, which can help reduce finger fatigue. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide a responsive feel, but the actuation and bottom out forces will cater to varying preferences among users.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Jelly the shorter option between the two, providing a more responsive feel that aligns with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper, more substantial sensation during key presses, which some users may find more satisfying. This distinction between the two switches caters to different preferences—those looking for speed might gravitate toward the Jelly, while those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might opt for the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that many find satisfying and pronounced when typing. This unique auditory profile can create a more tactile and engaging experience for users. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the serene sound of gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura especially appealing for typists who prefer a quieter environment, ensuring less disruption in shared spaces. While these two switches present very different sound characteristics, the overall sound can vary depending on the keyboard build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is noted for its super smooth operation, thanks to excellent factory lubrication. This smoothness contributes to an enjoyable typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g also emphasizes lightness, with an actuation force that is just slightly higher at 43g. Designed for a subtle and pleasing typing experience, this switch is particularly suited for light typists seeking both comfort and responsiveness. While both switches offer a linear feel, the Jelly may provide an edge in smoothness, while the Silent Sakura is tailored for quieter feedback.
In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch delivers a rich and satisfying sound profile combined with an exceptionally smooth feel, perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback and fluid typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for users who value a quiet environment while still retaining a light and responsive experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, but choosing one will hinge on whether you prioritize sound or a subdued typing experience, all while enjoying the linear feel that both aim to provide.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a deeper thocky sound that provides auditory satisfaction while typing and appreciate a super smooth feel thanks to excellent factory lube, the Jelly switch is the ideal choice for you. Its 48g bottom out force is still manageable, offering a satisfying resistance for those who prefer a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter setting—like an office environment or shared space—where noise levels can be disruptive, the Silent Sakura - 43g is your best bet. Its whisper-quiet operation mimics the soothing sound of raindrops, ensuring you can type without disturbing others. With a lighter 43g bottom out force, this switch is tailored toward those who appreciate a serene typing experience. In short, consider the Jelly for a more tactile and audible response and the Silent Sakura for a smooth, quiet typing experience.
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