HMX Jelly vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences, particularly within the realm of linear switches. The Jelly switch stands out for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and super smooth keystrokes, thanks in part to its excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of just 42 grams. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter yet satisfying typing experience without the added pressure during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch also prioritizes smoothness, featuring Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally fluid typing experience, while its resonant sound profile adds a unique auditory quality that some typists might find delightful. Both switches excel in providing a linear feel, but they cater to different auditory and tactile 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

HMX Jelly Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Jelly utilizes nylon, which is known for its softer and more pliable characteristics, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This property allows the Jelly to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience that many users find appealing for its warmth. Conversely, the Tomcat employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffness translates into a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile, making the typing experience more vibrant and resonant. Therefore, while the Jelly may provide a muted and enveloping sound with its nylon top, the Tomcat's polycarbonate casing propels each keystroke's auditory feedback into sharper focus.

In contrast, both the HMX Jelly and the Bsun Tomcat feature nylon for their bottom housings, aligning them more closely in this aspect. This shared material has a significant impact on the overall typing experience, as it contributes to the fuller sound profile that users can expect from both switches. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a muffled and rounded feel to the bottom-out sound. Regardless of the differences presented in the top housing materials, the bottom housing for both models ensures that users will experience a similar depth in sound and sensation during key presses. This shared nylon bottom creates a uniformity in tactile response, allowing both switches to perform excellently in absorbing and dampening the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, when assessing the performance of the HMX Jelly and the Bsun Tomcat, it's essential to consider how the distinct materials interact to shape the overall experience. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing result in differing auditory outcomes, while the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing creates a balance that maintains a consistent tactile experience. Users may find that even with the differences in the top materials, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom ensure that both switches deliver a satisfactory performance in terms of sound and feel. Therefore, individuals can choose either switch based on aesthetic preferences or sound profile desires, knowing that the nylon bottom housing will provide similar results, particularly in touch and lower-frequency auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Tomcat's slightly heavier 45 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making the Jelly more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Jelly has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is also lighter than the Tomcat's 54 grams. Therefore, while both switches provide comparatively soft typing experiences, the Jelly presents an even lighter touch overall. Users seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Tomcat switch due to its heavier forces, which could contribute to a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it becomes clear that their characteristics cater to different preferences among users. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference implies that the Jelly switch may provide a more tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when pressing keys. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, as its shorter travel allows for faster actuation. For individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, the Jelly would be the ideal choice, while the Tomcat would be preferable for those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing or gaming experience. Overall, the HMX Jelly offers a longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Tomcat, making it a better fit for those who favor a more robust feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch delivers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts find satisfying and impactful while typing. Its acoustic profile can create a sense of a solid, substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch presents a resonant sound profile, which may give it a slightly higher-pitched auditory quality compared to the Jelly. While both switches offer smooth sound characteristics, the Jelly's deeper tone provides a different auditory experience than the Tomcat's resonance. It's important to note that the overall sound of either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps used.

When considering feel, the Jelly switch is celebrated for its super smooth operation, largely due to its excellent factory lube paired with a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it effortless to type quickly and accurately. The Bsun Tomcat, with its Ly stems, also emphasizes a super smooth typing experience. Both switches share this smoothness, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, but the Jelly’s lighter actuation force may appeal more to those who prefer a softer touch.

In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and Bsun Tomcat linear switches are designed to provide a smooth typing experience, though they differ in sound profile, with the Jelly offering a deeper, thocky sound and the Tomcat producing a more resonant tone. If you seek a light and soft feel in key presses, the Jelly may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force, though both switches will deliver a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, if you prioritize smooth keystrokes but are undecided between the two, you can expect a pleasurable experience regardless of your choice, though your auditory preference will dictate which provides more satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you are someone who appreciates a lightweight touch with a smooth actuation, the Jelly switch may be your best bet, especially if you enjoy a low-pitched, thocky sound while typing. It’s ideal for users who want a more effortless typing experience, given its low actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of just 48 grams. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switch, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams and Ly stems for enhanced smoothness, would be the way to go. This switch strikes a balance between comfort and tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who might appreciate a bit more resistance when typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the auditory experience you seek, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard meets your unique preferences.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more