TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the experience can vary dramatically depending on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch. The TTC Bluish White switches are an excellent choice for those who crave a satisfying tactile feel, delivering a poppy typing experience that is complemented by a snappy sound profile. This switch is characterized by its buttery yet mild feel, combined with a low-pitched and polished sound that many users find pleasing, particularly for typists who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches offer a smooth linear experience, featuring a deep, thocky sound signature that is both low-pitched and appealing. Weighing in with a lightweight 42g actuation force and refined factory lubrication, the Jelly switches deliver seamless keystrokes, making them ideal for gamers or those who prefer a quieter environment. While both switches have distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and HMX Jelly switches showcase two distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic properties. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This stiffness facilitates a more clear and resonant output, making it ideal for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Jelly employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic signature. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound, contrasting the clear and bright profile offered by the polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, which shares similar sound characteristics in both. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in the Bluish White and Jelly switches contributes to a rich, fuller sound profile that further emphasizes a more subdued acoustic response. Since the bottom housing is crucial for the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the shared nylon material ensures that the user's experience is consistent in terms of sound absorption. Thus, both switches provide a broadly similar sound output at the bottom of the keystroke, establishing a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the differing materials at the top.
Ultimately, the blend of housing materials between these two switches generates unique sound profiles while still sharing some characteristics. The polystyrene in the top of the Bluish White offers clarity and brightness, crucial for RGB setups, while the nylon in both switches provides a common ground for depth and fullness during key presses. By balancing a stiff top housing with a soft bottom housing, both switches are designed to create cohesive acoustic results while catering to different preferences in sound quality. Thus, despite their differences, enthusiasts can expect a nuanced and satisfying typing experience with both the TTC Bluish White and HMX Jelly, as the combination of materials works in tandem to deliver distinct yet complementary auditory properties.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, both have an actuation force of 42 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar light touch required to register a keystroke with either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Bluish White switch has a slightly higher force of 50 grams, compared to the Jelly's 48 grams. This slight difference means that while both switches provide a light typing experience overall, the Bluish White may feel marginally heavier when pressed all the way down. For users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, both switches offer a comparable actuation experience, but the Bluish White will provide a more substantial bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Bluish White measures 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This difference in travel distance caters to different user preferences: the shorter 3.5 mm distance of the Bluish White switch is ideal for those seeking responsiveness, particularly gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, offering a heartier depth that some typists find satisfying. Thus, if you prioritize speed in your key presses, the Bluish White is the better choice, while the Jelly might be more suitable for those who appreciate a more traditional feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch presents a snappy pop that adds a lively touch to the typing experience. Its low-pitched sound profile tends to impart a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more engaging acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its deep, thocky sound signature, which is notable for its low-pitched quality. This creates a satisfying auditory experience, but it lacks the pronounced 'click' that tactile switches offer. Both switches' acoustic characteristics can also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which means that while they may differ in their inherent sound profiles, it may be possible to achieve a desirable auditory result with the right combinations.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White tactile switch offers a range of pleasurable sensations. It is described as buttery, providing a seamless keystroke experience and a polished, smooth finish that enhances typing comfort. Additionally, its mild and subtle nature results in a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users, blending tactile feedback with a smooth transition throughout the keystroke. The stepped design of the Bluish White also enhances its tactile qualities, allowing for a clear pre-travel feel without being overly harsh. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly linear switch is described as exceptionally smooth due to excellent factory lube and a lightweight actuation force of 42g, which contributes to its fluid feel during use. However, the Jelly switch does not specify any tactile feedback characteristics, so while it promises a smooth experience, it does not provide the tactile responsiveness that typists seeking defined feedback may prefer.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience with its engaging and dynamic sound profile and prominent tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the HMX Jelly linear switch excels in providing a deep sound and an exceptionally smooth experience, making these switches suitable for different preferences. Whether you favor the subtle yet engaging feedback of the Bluish White or the fluid, low-pitched thock of the Jelly, both options cater to diverse typing styles, assuring that users can find a satisfying keyboard experience based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between TTC Bluish White tactile switches and HMX Jelly linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the sound profile you desire. If you revel in a tactile typing experience with a satisfying pop and a snappy sound, the Bluish White switches will likely be more suited to you. Their moderately light bottom-out force of 50 grams and butery feel make them ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter, and deeper thocky sound with a near-silent operation, the HMX Jelly linear switches may be your best option. At an even lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and their refined factory lube, these switches provide a seamless keypress that is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming environments where you want to minimize noise. Ultimately, your decision should be influenced by whether you seek the engaging tactile feedback of the Bluish Whites or the effortless fluidity of the Jelly switches.
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