TTC Brother vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Brother and the HMX Jelly offers distinct advantages depending on user preferences. The TTC Brother is a clicky switch that has garnered a loyal following thanks to its lightweight actuation of just 37g and an engaging crunchy sound that acts as auditory feedback while typing. Its tactile feedback strikes a delightful balance—providing enough resistance for a satisfying experience without being overwhelming, making it ideal for typists who enjoy auditory and tactile cues. In contrast, the HMX Jelly is a linear switch characterized by its smoother keystroke and deep, thocky sound signature. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 42g, it promises a silent and uninterrupted typing experience, catering to those who prioritize fluidity and stealth over auditory feedback. Each switch serves different typing styles: the Brother excites those who relish in nuance and sound, while the Jelly appeals to enthusiasts seeking smooth precision. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the HMX Jelly switches present a fascinating study in contrast, particularly when examining their top housings. The TTC Brother utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows light to pass through more effectively, enhancing visual effects. In contrast, the HMX Jelly employs nylon for its top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound quality results from nylon’s ability to absorb sound, leading to a more rounded audio experience when typing. Consequently, these differing materials significantly impact the auditory qualities each switch produces when engaged.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings of the two switches, we observe they are both made of nylon. This similarity creates a consistent bottom-out sound and feel for both models. As nylon is known for absorbing sound effectively, users should expect a similar auditory experience when bottoming out regardless of the switch they choose. The impact of the bottom housing on sound and sensation becomes crucial, as it largely governs the characteristics felt during key presses. Therefore, while the TTC Brother's top housing contributes to a crisper release sound, the HMX Jelly’s use of nylon echoes a more subdued experience from the bottom housing, creating a harmonious blend of qualities.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials with a shared bottom housing material reflects how design choices influence user experience in mechanical switches. The TTC Brother’s polycarbonate top offers a vibrant and clear resonance, ideal for illuminating switch aesthetics, while the HMX Jelly’s nylon top creates a mellower and softer sound environment with a fuller output. Users who prioritize pronounced auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Brother, while those who prefer smooth and rich tones may lean towards the Jelly. However, in either case, the similar properties of the nylon bottom housing ensure a consistent tactile experience across both models during key engagement, demonstrating how thoughtful material choices can achieve distinct auditory and tactile results.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and overall feel. The Brother switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Jelly switch has a higher actuation force of 42 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. Additionally, the Jelly switch has a known bottom-out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more effort to bottom out compared to the Brother switch, for which the bottom-out force is currently unknown. Thus, while both switches have their unique characteristics, the TTC Brother is the lighter option, appealing to users who favor a softer touch, whereas the HMX Jelly caters to those who appreciate a heavier, more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, a notable difference can be observed. The Brother switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jelly switch extends to 3.8 mm. This makes the Brother switch the shorter option, offering a relatively quick response that may appeal to gamers who prefer faster actuation. In contrast, the Jelly switch, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, provides a deeper feel, which might be more satisfying for users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. Although both switches are designed to cater to different preferences—responsiveness versus depth—the variance in their travel distances suggests that one may prioritize speed while the other values tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a delightfully crunchy auditory experience that resonates well with fans of clicky switches. Its sound profile can be likened to the satisfying noise of stepping on dry, crisp leaves, creating an enjoyable feedback loop that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch delivers a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which is smooth and muted compared to the Brother's pronounced click. This difference makes the Brother ideal for those who crave an audible affirmation of each keypress, while the Jelly appeals to users seeking a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, making it effortless to press. It features a stepped tactile bump that provides clear feedback without being overwhelming, allowing the typist to feel when a key has been actuated while also enjoying a smooth overall keystroke. This design minimizes finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions. The HMX Jelly, on the other hand, boasts an actuation force of 42g and benefits from excellent factory lubrication, offering a silky smooth typing experience. However, since there is no tactile feedback associated with linear switches, the Jelly's feel is consistent throughout each keystroke without the “bump” that the Brother provides.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Brother and HMX Jelly switches offer unique qualities catering to different preferences, they ultimately stand on opposite ends of the tactile spectrum. The Brother is perfect for those who revel in the audible and tactile aspects of typing, while the Jelly caters to an audience that values smoothness and lower sound levels. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the satisfying click and tactile bump of the Brother or the effortless, silent keystrokes of the Jelly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, your choice should reflect your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile sensation paired with a pronounced acoustic feedback, the Brother switch may be your go-to choice. Its lightweight actuation and satisfying 'crunchy' sound make it ideal for typists who appreciate audible confirmation of their keystrokes without the weighty resistance that can lead to fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the HMX Jelly linear switch is your best bet. With its low-pitched thocky sound and light actuation force, the Jelly switch provides a seamless feel that enhances fluid typing, making it perfect for those who favor a stealthier approach, particularly in office environments or during extensive gaming sessions. In sum, your personal style—whether leaning towards tactile feedback or a smooth, quiet keypress—will guide you in choosing between these two exceptional switches.
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