HMX Jelly vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Splash Brothers both present compelling options for enthusiasts who appreciate linear switches. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its unique low-pitched, deep thocky sound that delivers a satisfying auditory experience during every keystroke. With a lightweight 42g actuation force and excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly provides a super smooth feel that is ideal for those who prioritize ease of typing and a comfortable touch. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, akin to their namesakes Steph and Klay, bring a different dynamic to the table. These speed switches boast a shorter activation distance paired with a long pole stem, which creates a delightful typing experience that is both responsive and engaging. Their creamy sound profile adds to the overall sensory enjoyment of typing. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, each has unique characteristics that might appeal 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is evident that each switch utilizes distinct materials for their top housing. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon's properties as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers use a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when using RGB lighting where translucency plays a key aesthetic role.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, offering a cohesive element despite their differences in top materials. The identical use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a uniformly deep and rich sound profile for both switches. This shared characteristic ensures that the typing experience maintains a level of acoustic consistency, where the impact of the bottom housing positively contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Since nylon absorbs sound effectively, it enriches the overall performance in both switches by providing a softer bottoming-out experience, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials.
In scenarios where the characteristics of the top and bottom housings diverge, the overall sound profile and tactile feel experienced by the user will still hold desirable qualities. While the Jelly’s top nylon housing provides warmth and depth, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top delivers crispness and clarity. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing in both switches moderates the sound, allowing users to appreciate the distinctive top-end qualities while still enjoying a cohesive and rounded auditory feel. This unique blend of materials means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users will enjoy a satisfying keystroke response rooted in the similarities of the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it lighter and suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during prolonged use. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch does not have a specified actuation force, which leaves its overall touch feel unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that they provide a consistent resistance when fully pressed down. Since the Jelly switch is confirmed to be lighter with its defined actuation force, gamers or typists looking for ease of use might gravitate toward it. Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers, while having the same bottom out force, lacks a defined actuation measure, making it difficult to ascertain its overall feel compared to the Jelly. Ultimately, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Jelly more appealing, while the heavier push experience of the Splash Brothers remains ambiguous without an actuation force specification.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Jelly measures 3.8 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Jelly the longer of the two options, providing that deeper feel that some users might prefer for a more pronounced keystroke experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who favor faster response times, as shorter distances can facilitate quicker key presses. Therefore, if rapid performance is your priority, the Splash Brothers would be the more suitable choice. While both switches fall within the range of modern preferences, they cater to different user experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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
When considering the sound profiles of the HMX Jelly and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches, the differences stand out distinctly. The Jelly switch is renowned for its deep, thocky sound signature, characterized by a low-pitched, resonating quality that many enthusiasts find satisfying and robust. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch offers a more neutral sound profile. This means it strikes a balance between the spectrum of keyboard sounds, making it versatile and suitable for various environments. While the Jelly's sound is likely to be more prominent and bass-heavy, the Splash Brothers provide a moderate auditory experience that can be pleasing without being intrusive, especially in mixed settings.
In terms of feel, the Jelly switch boasts a super smooth typing experience, attributed in part to its excellent factory lube and lightweight 42g actuation force. This allows for easy, fluid key presses with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a more dynamic typing experience, described as mild yet snappy and bouncy. The combination of shorter activation and a long pole stem enhances the responsiveness, making it feel lively and engaging. While the Jelly's smoothness offers comfort and ease, the Splash Brothers’ lively feedback and gentle resistance create a unique typing interaction that could appeal to different user preferences.
Overall, while both the HMX Jelly and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they each bring valuable qualities to the table. The Jelly excels with its deep, thocky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a luxurious, reverberant typing experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers offer a balanced sound profile coupled with a responsive, engaging feel that can make typing exciting and dynamic. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying outcomes, with the Jelly leaning towards a more pronounced auditory experience and the Splash Brothers providing versatility that fits a variety of typing scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a deeper, thocky sound signature that offers a unique auditory experience, along with an ultra-smooth typing feel due to excellent factory lube, the HMX Jelly would be an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation might be ideal for people who enjoy a gentle touch while typing or gaming, particularly in quieter settings where sound might be a concern. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more dynamic typing experience with a creamy sound signature and snappier responsiveness, the Jwick Splash Brothers could be the way to go. Its shorter activation point and bouncy feedback can provide a lively feel, making it suitable for both fast-paced gaming and general typing tasks. The Splash Brothers' mild characteristics and neutral sound profile also make it more versatile for various settings, whether you're at home or in an office. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your specific needs for sound, feel, and typing style.
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