KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Ash Gray switch is a tactile option that strikes a balance between substantial feedback and unobtrusiveness, providing a light touch complemented by a crisp actuation. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate the pleasant tactile sensations while typing without the distraction of excessive force. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch champions a linear design, characterized by a low-pitched, thocky sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. With its super smooth operation and lightweight 42g actuation force, the Jelly switch appeals to those who favor a seamless keystroke experience without tactile interruptions. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Ash Gray inviting a more engaged typing experience and the Jelly offering effortless, fluid keystrokes. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Jelly switches, the materials used in their top housings present notable differences that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffer properties provide clarity and resonance, making it advantageous for users who appreciate a clean and bright auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is utilized. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a less piercing and more rounded auditory output. This fundamental difference in material composition leads to diverse acoustic experiences for users when typing or gaming, with the Ash Gray catering to those favoring crispy feedback and the Jelly appealing to those who prefer a warmer sound.
Both the Ash Gray and HMX Jelly share the same material—nylon—in their bottom housings, which further underscores a layer of commonality between the two switches. In both cases, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a strong foundation for each switch's acoustic signature. This shared material means that regardless of the differences in their top housing, both switches will exhibit a similar bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down. Users will experience a consistency in the tactile feedback during key press actions, making it essential to recognize that while the top housings provide varying sonic characteristics, the nylon bottom ensures a dependable foundation in sound quality.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials results in a unique performance signature for each switch. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing elevates its crispness, making it suitable for those who enjoy a pronounced sound when releasing keys, while the Jelly's nylon top housing delivers a softer, more subdued release sound. The shared nylon bottom housing creates a synchronous experience in terms of bottom-out feel, allowing both switches to maintain a cohesive tactile response. Consequently, while users may choose one over the other based on their preference for a particular sound profile, they can still expect similar performance characteristics when it comes to the deep and full responses generated from their shared nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch with the HMX Jelly linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jelly switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams but has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, the Ash Gray switch offers a lighter typing experience overall, while the Jelly switch provides a somewhat stronger keystroke feel due to its higher actuation force. For users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Ash Gray may be more appealing, while those seeking a robust, substantial feel in their keystrokes might prefer the Jelly switch despite its lighter bottom out force. Thus, while both switches provide unique tactile experiences, the Ash Gray leans towards ease of use, and the Jelly offers a firmer push.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times often sought after by gamers. Conversely, the Jelly's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses. If you value the tactile feedback of each switch, the Ash Gray’s shorter travel may feel more abrupt, but it could enhance the overall efficiency for rapid keystrokes, whereas the Jelly’s greater depth may provide a more satisfying and cushioned experience for those who enjoy a traditional typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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, the KTT Ash Gray switch presents a neutral profile, striking a balance that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. This means that while it doesn't have particularly pronounced acoustics, it's designed to remain unobtrusive and not distracting, making it a versatile option for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which delivers a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. The deeper sound profile of the Jelly switch can be more pronounced, potentially making it more enjoyable for those who appreciate a robust acoustic experience in their typing.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Ash Gray tactile switch excels in offering an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to actuate. This light actuation force results in comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use, while also providing a mild but noticeable tactile response that makes each key press feel rewarding yet not overly dramatic. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch is known for its super smooth operation, which can appeal to users who prioritize glide over feedback; however, specific tactile or resistance characteristics are not detailed for this switch.
Collectively, the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Jelly switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ash Gray is ideal for those looking for a balanced typing experience that fits any setting without drawing attention, while the Jelly appeals to users who prefer a more noticeable auditory feedback with its deeper sound. Ultimately, while the qualities of each switch may cater to different user preferences, both provide experiences that can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile sensation without overwhelming feedback, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent option. Its balanced actuation force of 53 grams, combined with a neutral sound profile, makes it an ideal choice for both work and casual use, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. This switch is particularly advantageous for long typing sessions, as it offers a mild resistance that enhances ease of use and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more streamlined experience with a focus on sound and fluidity, the HMX Jelly linear switch may be your best bet. With a lighter actuation force of just 48 grams and that satisfying thock sound, this switch excels in delivering effortless keystrokes that are both enjoyable and quiet. In essence, if you prioritize tactile feedback and a versatile sound for diverse environments, go for the Ash Gray; but if seamless smoothness and acoustic satisfaction are what you crave, the Jelly will likely serve you better.
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