HMX Jelly vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between many popular options, including the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Smoothie. Both switches are linear, favoring smooth keystrokes without the tactile feedback associated with other switch types. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, excellent factory lubrication, and a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it an appealing choice for users seeking comfort and rich auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an impressive all-POM construction that balances affordability with quality, also featuring a smooth and thocky sound signature. Its characteristics are described as 'buttery' and 'silky,' indicating a unique touch experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer similar ideal use cases for typing and gaming, their sound profiles and tactile sensations cater to different preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Smoothie, it is evident that they feature distinct compositions that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Jelly employs a nylon top and bottom housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a muted auditory experience that can enhance the typing feel by dampening harsh sounds. In contrast, the Smoothie incorporates a POM (polyoxymethylene) construction for both top and bottom housings. POM is known for its durability and unique acoustic properties, which also generates a relatively muted sound. While both materials aim to create a deep sound profile, the Jelly’s nylon achieves this through its softer and sound-absorbing qualities, while the Smoothie’s POM provides a distinct but similarly pleasing auditory experience.
Despite their different materials, both switches exhibit comparable results in sound production and tactile feedback. The Jelly’s nylon houses impart a rounder sound when keys are pressed, contributing to a desirable typing feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie’s POM housings produce a sound that is uniquely pleasing and still deep, although its qualities are more precisely defined. When pressed, the smooth and dampened response of the Jelly contrasts slightly with the specific acoustic characteristics of the Smoothie. However, users of either switch can expect a satisfying typing experience with muted sounds, reflecting the effective sound absorption offered by both materials.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch is crucial in shaping the overall performance. In the case of the Jelly, the nylon attributes promote a consistent sound profile between the key press and release, enhancing the audio experience throughout. For the Gateron Smoothie, while the POM materials might present different acoustic attributes, they also strive to balance sound between the pressing and releasing phases. Ultimately, the foundational principle remains the same: each switch will have a unique outcome based on the individual qualities of its materials, yet both achieve a deep and muted sound, resulting in a comparable typing experience for users who prioritize acoustic softness and tactile satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Smoothie is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference indicates that the Smoothie may be easier to press, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and long gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, the Jelly switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully depressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie remains unknown, which leaves a gap in our understanding of its tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Overall, the Jelly is heavier in terms of bottom out feel, while the Smoothie’s lighter actuation could cater to users seeking a less strenuous typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're after a more responsive feel, the Gateron Smoothie might be the better option, as it requires less distance to register a key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth and a tactile experience, the HMX Jelly, with its longer travel distance, might suit you better. In summary, the Jelly offers a fuller press with its 3.8 mm travel distance, while the Smoothie provides a quicker response with its 3.6 mm 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 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 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, both the HMX Jelly and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches exhibit a thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory experience. The Jelly switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep sound profile which contributes to a heavier, more resonant thock that feels rich and satisfying with each keystroke. Similarly, the Smoothie switch also delivers a thocky sound, noted for its deep and rich tones, although it additionally presents a more subdued quality when compared to other switches. This low-pitched nature enhances the overall keyboard experience and produces a sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing depth.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is renowned for its super smooth action, aided by an excellent factory lubrication that results in a lightweight touch with only 42g of actuation force. This promotes effortless typing, although the precise qualities of its tactile experience may remain unspecified. The Gateron Smoothie, on the other hand, takes smoothness to another level, being described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This combination ensures a fluid and seamless keystroke, allowing typists to glide effortlessly over the keys without any hindrance. The feel of the Smoothie encourages a tactile experience that is both distinctive and satisfying, making it appealing for prolonged typing sessions.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly and Gateron Smoothie switches are excellent choices for users who appreciate a rich auditory profile and a smooth typing experience. While their sound qualities align closely with a thocky and low-pitched nature, each switch brings a unique texture to the typing experience. The Jelly switch focuses on a notably smooth feel with its lightweight actuation, while the Smoothie impresses with its ultra-smooth buttery sensation. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfying results in terms of both sound and feel, allowing newcomers to enjoy a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing or gaming experience. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a super smooth feel with a thocky sound signature, the Jelly, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, will suit you well, especially if you enjoy a deep, low-pitched auditory feedback while typing. This makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or quiet environments where tactile comfort and acoustic experience matter. On the other hand, if you’re looking for exceptional smoothness and a buttery, creamy feel with the promise of a comparable thocky sound, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be your go-to option. Its use of POM material suggests that it could offer durability and a silky touch, making it ideal for both gaming and fast-paced typing. Considering these factors will help you determine which switch aligns with your personal preferences and usage scenarios, allowing you to enjoy the best possible experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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