HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and Gateron Smoothie Silver present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel, but each offers a unique experience tailored to different preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, excellent factory lube, and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth, responsive typing experience with rich acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts a short travel distance that enables lightning-fast actuation, characterized by a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, ideal for gamers and typists looking for a feather-light touch and swift key presses. Both switches have their merits, with the Jelly providing a more tactile auditory experience and the Smoothie Silver focused on rapid performance and smooth action. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches differ both in their housing materials and in the acoustic characteristics they produce. The Jelly utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is described as duller and rounder. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housings, a material renowned for creating a unique and pleasing sound. Although POM also offers a fuller acoustic experience, its sound profile tends to be deeper yet more muted when compared to nylon, showcasing how different materials can influence auditory results.
While both switches aim for a satisfying typing experience, the difference in housing materials further highlights their unique sound signatures. The Jelly's nylon, being softer, produces a sound that absorbs vibrations more effectively, allowing for a more rounded auditory output. This is particularly noticeable in how the switches feel when the key is bottomed out, as the nylon adds a sense of cushioning. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, with its POM construction, delivers a crisper sound with a degree of mutedness that some users may find more appealing. As a result, typing on the Gateron Smoothie Silver may feel sharper compared to the more plush experience of the Jelly, especially when considering the distinct resonance produced upon release.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches can achieve commendable sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. For users interested in customizing their keyboard experience, it is essential to understand that the individual impact of top and bottom housings will affect the final sound and feel. While the Jelly's nylon top will shape the sound when releasing keys and the bottom when bottoming out, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom will deliver a balanced yet distinct experience. Ultimately, users may find that both options are capable of producing satisfying results, though the nuances of each material can change how those results are perceived during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jelly switch features a 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 touch to facilitate prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving room for uncertainty regarding its overall tactile experience. Because the actuation forces are relatively close, users might experience similar responsiveness. However, due to its defined bottom out force, the Jelly switch is regarded as the lighter option, while the Smoothie Silver, with its higher actuation force, is perceived as the heavier choice. Overall, the Jelly switch is better suited for those who favor lighter switches, while the Smoothie Silver may appeal to users desiring a more substantial typing experience, depending on its yet-to-be-defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced feel with added depth, the Jelly would be the better choice, as it provides a more substantial experience during key presses. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver, with its shorter travel distance, might be preferred by gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, despite the potential for it to feel more abrupt. Thus, those who prioritize speed over depth would likely gravitate toward the Gateron Smoothie Silver, whereas users favoring a richer typing experience would appreciate the HMX Jelly's longer travel distance.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 has a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that is both satisfying and rich. This auditory quality can enhance the typing experience, giving it a character that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver also produces a thocky sound; however, it is characterized by a more pronounced clarity due to its POM composition, which can lead to a slightly different tonal experience. Both switches share the thocky quality, but the Jelly’s deeper sound and the Smoothie Silver's sharpness could appeal to different preferences. It's important to consider that the final sound of either switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard they are placed in and the keycaps used.
When we analyze the feel of these switches, the HMX Jelly offers a super smooth typing experience attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This combination allows for effortless keystrokes, making it an attractive choice for those who prefer a more relaxed typing style. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts unparalleled smoothness as well, with its design intended for quick actuation due to its shorter travel distance. The Smoothie Silver has a feather-light touch that might be even more appealing for fast typists or gamers looking for rapid key engagement. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the Jelly emphasizes a lighter actuation force, whereas the Smoothie Silver channels more focus into its quick response.
Overall, both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer unique sound profiles and mesmerizing smoothness, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Jelly pulls you in with its deep, thocky undertones and light actuation, while the Smoothie Silver shines with its clarity and rapid actuation. Regardless of which switch you choose, you're likely to experience a very enjoyable typing experience, with both promising excellent performance. Your ultimate choice may come down to the subtler auditory and tactile differences or simply personal preference regarding how each switch resonates with your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will be key factors. If you enjoy a lightweight switch with a deep, thocky sound and a super smooth feel, the Jelly might be the best choice for you. Its 48g bottom-out force and low actuation force (42g) make it ideal for fast typists who appreciate a tactile experience without needing to apply much effort. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and a light touch, the Smoothie Silver’s feather-light actuation and short travel distance are designed for rapid key presses, making it suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing. While both switches provide a satisfying thocky sound, the Jelly leans more toward a rich acoustic profile, while the Smoothie Silver offers unparalleled smoothness that can enhance your overall gaming and typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the comforting heft and acoustics of the Jelly or the rapid responsiveness and ultra-smooth action of the Smoothie Silver.
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