HMX Jelly vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Jelly switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and smooth actuation, requiring only a 42g force for activation, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lightweight feel but still crave satisfying audio feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g delivers an ultra-quiet typing experience, designed for users who appreciate the gentle sound of keystrokes reminiscent of raindrops, yet still desire a satisfying tactile response with a balanced 53g bottom-out force. While both switches are linear and provide smooth key presses, the Jelly leans towards a more pronounced auditory experience, whereas the Silent Sakura focuses on a discreet typing environment. 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

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both switches share nylon as the top housing material. The use of nylon in the top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a sound characteristic that is both rounder and less harsh. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when typing, as nylon’s acoustic properties will be influential in dampening sound and promoting a smooth keystroke. This similarity in top housing will ensure that both switches provide a comparable tactile response, particularly in the context of typing sound when the key is released.

However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models, with the HMX Jelly utilizing nylon while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g opts for polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing in the Jelly reinforces the switch’s overall softer sound profile, contributing to a muted auditory experience that aligns closely with its top housing. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura - 53g infuses the switch with a sharper, higher-pitched sound that results from the stiffer and more resonant qualities of the plastic. This difference in bottom housing material is critical, as the bottom housing has a pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress, thus distinguishing the typing experience between the two switches.

Ultimately, the contrasting bottom housing materials lead to different auditory characteristics while typing; however, the overall experience remains cohesive due to the nylon top housing shared by both switches. The Jelly's nylon configuration lends itself to a softer sound experience, while the Silent Sakura - 53g's polycarbonate bottom allows for a crisper more resonant sound. For users focused on auditory feedback, the resulting distinctions in sound profile could influence their preference. Nevertheless, both switches will continue to offer a rounded feel and consistent response due to their shared nylon top housing, allowing users to achieve a desirable tactile feedback irrespective of the bottom material choices.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, affecting their overall typing experience. The Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer tactile response. Consequently, the Jelly switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura is heavier, providing different preferences for typists and gamers alike, based on their desired tactile experience. Overall, while both switches are designed to facilitate smooth keystrokes, the Jelly offers a lighter touch, whereas the Silent Sakura provides a bit more resistance.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Jelly measuring 3.8 mm and the Silent Sakura at 4.0 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance, offering a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for a deeper keystroke experience. In contrast, the Jelly's shorter travel distance could be beneficial for gamers who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Jelly is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Silent Sakura may be more appealing if you appreciate a fuller depth in your key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is best known for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, making it a delight for those who enjoy a more resonant auditory experience while typing. This creates a robust acoustic profile that enhances the tactile nature of typing without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for whisper-quiet operation, producing gentle sounds reminiscent of raindrops tapping against a window. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is key, allowing for a peaceful typing experience that won't disturb those around you. Though both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the overall experience may vary depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can significantly influence the acoustic result.

When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Jelly is noted for its super smooth operation, which is greatly attributed to high-quality factory lubrication and its lightweight 42g actuation force. This gives it a fluid typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses that are ideal for fast typists or gamers. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g features a balanced 53g bottom-out force, offering a slightly heavier resistance that caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. This switch is still on the lighter side, providing a satisfying keystroke that promotes a comfortable typing rhythm without feeling too demanding. Both switches deliver commendable linear feel, but they cater to different preferences regarding typing engagement and force.

In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch provides a thocky sound and ultra-smooth feel, perfect for those who enjoy deeper auditory experiences coupled with light actuation, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a quieter and more balanced typing experience suitable for quieter settings. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound signature or the tactile feedback during typing. Regardless of your selection, both options promise enjoyable and satisfying experiences that are tailored to specific typing preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you’re someone who enjoys a lightweight switch with a low-pitched, deep thock sound, the HMX Jelly is an enticing option, especially if you’re looking for a smooth typing experience paired with a satisfying auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for casual users and gamers who value comfort and speed, as the lighter actuation force of 42 grams can facilitate quick inputs. However, if you find yourself frequently typing in quieter settings, such as at a shared workspace or during late-night sessions, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be more suitable due to its whisper-quiet operation and a slightly higher bottom-out force of 53 grams, which provides a well-rounded tactile feedback without the disruptive noise. This switch serves well for those who want a satisfying keystroke without disturbing others, making it the better choice for office environments or shared spaces. Thus, consider your typing style, noise sensitivity, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more