HMX Jelly vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that each offer unique tactile experiences and sound profiles. The HMX Jelly stands out with its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature and a lightweight 42g actuation force, providing a super smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lube. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a quieter yet satisfying keystroke, making it great for both office use and leisurely typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch impresses with its unique PA12 top housing that produces a softer acoustics profile, paired with a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai is designed for users who appreciate bouncy, clacky, and creamy sensations, making it ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and intended usage scenarios, emphasizing the importance of personal comfort and sound preferences in the decision-making process. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which suggests a similarity in the overall sound profile and tactile experience they can deliver. Nylon is praised for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to the material's softer plastic characteristics. Both switches leverage this quality, absorbing sound effectively to produce a duller, rounder auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect consistent acoustics between the two models, amplifying the appeal of typing on them due to the rich and solid sound they both generate.

While the housing materials are identical in both the Jelly and Xinhai, the potential nuances in their performance hinge on design differences beyond just the material. Each switch's configuration and specifics of its mechanism could lead to variations in the tactile feel, despite identical nylonic materials. With both switches exhibiting the same sound absorption qualities, the response when bottoming out may feel slightly distinct to the user due to variations in design or spring weight. However, the foundational acoustic attributes remain unchanged because of their common nylon composition.

In summary, both the HMX Jelly and HMX Xinhai use nylon for their housings, ensuring a similar auditory experience characterized by deep, rounded sound profiles. The materials directly impact how users perceive the act of typing, as both switches will deliver similar sound qualities. While subtle differences may arise from mechanical design, when it comes to the essential characteristics of sound and feel, both models stand as highly comparable, offering users an enjoyable typing experience anchored in the favorable properties of nylon.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Xinhai features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Xinhai switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jelly switch offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are designed for easy use with light force requirements, the Xinhai provides an even lighter touch than the Jelly, catering to different preferences among users.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Jelly offers a more pronounced key press, appealing to users who prefer a sense of depth and feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, common among gamers who benefit from more immediate actuation. Therefore, if you value a more responsive experience, the HMX Xinhai linear switch may be the preferable choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the HMX Jelly linear switch is the better option. In summary, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance makes it the longer option, while the Xinhai's 3.4 mm travel distance is the shorter choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is known for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature. This gives the Jelly a rich and resonant auditory profile, making every keystroke feel substantial and pronounced. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch boasts a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, characterized by a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy. The Xinhai’s PA12 top housing contributes to this acoustic quality, providing a subtler and more sophisticated sound. Users can expect that while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, their overall sound profile will be heavily influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choices used.

In terms of tactile feel, the Jelly switch provides a super smooth typing experience, attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes the switch feel effortless to press, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a more dynamic typing experience with its bouncy feel, delivering a spring-like feedback that rebounds as you press the keys. Additionally, the Xinhai provides a creamy sensation that enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel buttery smooth as your fingers move over the keys. Therefore, while both switches aim to offer an enjoyable typing experience, the Jelly focuses on smoothness, whereas the Xinhai blends both bounciness and creaminess to create a lively and luxurious typing environment.

Overall, the HMX Jelly linear switch stands out with its deep thocky sound and silky smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a rich auditory experience and effortless key presses. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a brighter sound signature and a multifaceted tactile feedback profile, combining bounciness and creaminess for a distinctive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; both options promise a satisfying typing experience but cater to different tastes.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and HMX Xinhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a deeper, more thocky sound signature and prefer a smooth, lightweight feel with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Jelly switch may be your ideal option, especially for quiet environments where sound dampening is of importance. The Jelly's stunning factory lube ensures a silky, enjoyable typing experience and makes it a great choice for typists or gamers who value smoothness above all. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a more dynamic typing experience with a lively feel and a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Xinhai switch could be the better fit. With its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, the Xinhai provides a blend of creaminess and bounce that can enhance both gaming and typing performance, catering especially well to those who enjoy a more responsive feel to their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision will come down to the kind of acoustic feedback and tactile response that resonates with you as a typist or gamer.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more