HMX Jelly vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a pivotal role, and two notable contenders are the HMX Jelly and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The HMX Jelly switches stand out with their low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature and a lightweight actuation force of only 42g, delivering a super smooth typing experience thanks to their excellent factory lube. This makes the Jelly an appealing choice for users seeking a light touch and a satisfying auditory feedback that doesn't distract. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are known for their thuddy and punchy sound profile, complemented by a pronounced tactility that provides a gratifying typing experience without being overwhelmingly tactile. These switches strike an ideal balance, offering a sharp sensation that adds character without being intrusive. While both switches cater to different typing preferences—one favoring a smooth, linear feel and the other providing a tactile response—each brings its unique charm to the keyboard experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the Haimu Viola Tricolor showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their acoustic profiles. The Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound due to the material’s softer plastic properties. This absorption of sound results in a more muted auditory experience, producing a duller and rounder sound profile as opposed to other materials. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor employs polycarbonate for its top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate allow for clearer resonance, making the sound more pronounced upon key release. Thus, while both switches serve their functional purposes, the differing top housing materials lead to contrasting auditory results.
When examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Jelly and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, further emphasizing a shared aspect between the two. The nylon's inherent qualities ensure that both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This similarity means that despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches will maintain a consistent sound quality during key presses. The nylon in the bottom housing absorbs sound, creating a damping effect that enhances the tactile experience while yielding a similar auditory profile regardless of the top housing material used. Consequently, the combinations indicate that the Jelly will produce a more rounded auditory experience, while both switches uphold strong qualities from the nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the impact of housing materials on sound and typing feel highlights the intricacies found in these switches. The unique properties of polycarbonate used in the Viola Tricolor's top housing serve to enhance its overall sound clarity, while the Jelly’s softer nylon focuses on creating a warmth in auditory feedback. However, since both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, any performance metrics regarding the bottom-out experience will remain consistent, providing a shared foundation across both models. This contrast and comparison elucidate not only how material choices affect functionality but also reflect the nuanced interplay between sound profiles and user experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jelly switch boasts a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category; however, its actuation force is unspecified. This lack of information on the actuation force of the Viola means we cannot draw direct comparisons in that area. Consequently, due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, the Jelly switch will likely appeal to those who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue, while the heavier feeling of the Viola Tricolor may attract users looking for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this regard. Since the travel distance is the same for both switches, users can expect similar results when pressing down on the keys, leading to a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that both switches provide the same feel and responsiveness when activated.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch delivers a low-pitched and deep thocky sound that provides a satisfying experience for users who prefer a quieter, yet thumping acoustic profile. This quality is complemented by the smoothness derived from its excellent factory lubrication, making it ideal for those who seek a streamlined auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch produces a thuddy and punchy sound profile that injects a more vibrant character into each key press. Its sound is often described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer tone that can make typing feel more engaging. Both switches exhibit a low-pitched acoustic nature, but the Jelly leans towards a mellow thock, while the Viola Tricolor offers a more pronounced thud, making sound preference a personal choice tied to the user’s typing style.
In the realm of feel, the HMX Jelly is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, likely due to its linear design and light actuation force of 42g. This encourages a seamless typing experience, minimizing any tactile interruptions that can detract from fluidity. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides an invigorating sensation characterized by prominent tactility that strikes a balance—offering enough feedback to avoid feeling flat while not overwhelming the user. The tactile response is accentuated without crossing into harsh territory, making it an enjoyable middle ground for those who appreciate a bit of physical feedback without extreme tactile sharpness.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Jelly’s deep, low-pitched sound and ultra-smooth feel create an ideal environment for linear switch enthusiasts looking for a more understated auditory experience. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor appeals to those who seek a more pronounced and engaging typing sound paired with invigorating tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying experiences, but the choice hinges on whether you lean toward a smoother and quieter linear feel or a more tactile and character-rich typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lightweight and smooth typing experience, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice, especially with its low actuation force of 42 grams and thocky, deep sound signature. This makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, gaming, or if you simply prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, if you crave a more tactile feedback with a pronounced sensation while typing, the Viola Tricolor is your best bet. With a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams and its balanced, punchy sound profile, it provides a satisfying tactile response that can enhance your typing accuracy and add character to your keystrokes. Consider your typing style, whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or feedback and a heavier feel, as these factors will guide you in making the right switch for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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