TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, options like the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Jelly stand out for their unique characteristics despite both being linear switches. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, making it a versatile choice suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. With a bright yet balanced sound profile, it enhances the typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches are distinguished by their low-pitched, deep thocky sound that appeals to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the Jelly switches offer a super smooth experience thanks to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, which can be especially beneficial for those who appreciate a lightweight touch. While both switches cater to users seeking a premium typing experience, their distinct audio feedback and tactile responses will resonate differently with personal preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Jelly, a notable difference emerges in the choice of materials used in their top housings. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This distinct characteristic results in a clearer and more resonant audio experience, particularly advantageous for users who prioritize clarity, especially in RGB lighting scenarios where translucency plays a pivotal role. Conversely, the HMX Jelly employs a nylon top housing, which is softer than polycarbonate and thus leads to a fuller, deeper sound profile. This inherent difference in housing material indicates that the Flaming Pink excels in producing a more vibrant and crisp auditory output, while the Jelly offers a warmer, rounder sound experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we observe that both the Flaming Pink and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon, suggesting a uniformity in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing in both switches yields a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more auditory waves compared to harder plastic materials. This similarity implies that, despite the contrasting top housing materials, both switches can provide similar low-end sound profiles when pressed, given that the bottom housing's softer nature predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel. Thus, users can expect a consistent auditory experience via the bottom housing, establishing a solid foundation for both switch types.
Overall, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the Flaming Pink and a nylon top in the HMX Jelly showcases the strengths and weaknesses of each material at different points in the acoustic output. The Flaming Pink benefits from a more vivid sound due to its stiffer top housing, while the Jelly's nylon top produces a softer sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a muffled auditory experience. Regardless of these differences, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches guarantees that users will encounter a satisfying depth in their typing experience, allowing for a balanced comparative analysis where clarity and fullness coexist within the same framework of switch design.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Jelly linear switches both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who favor a lighter typing experience. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jelly slightly edges out with a 42-gram actuation force and a 48-gram bottom out force. This means that the HMX Jelly switch is the lighter option, as it requires slightly less force to actuate and bottom out than the Flaming Pink. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience, allowing users to enjoy prolonged typing sessions without significant fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the Flaming Pink offers a slightly heavier push. Overall, while both switches are light and geared towards comfort, the Jelly is marginally lighter, catering to those who prioritize minimal effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Jelly linear switches, the Flaming Pink measures at 3.6 mm, whereas the Jelly offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink provides a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times—an appealing feature for gamers seeking fast action. In contrast, the Jelly, with its longer travel distance, might cater to users who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes. While shorter switches like the Flaming Pink are gaining popularity for their responsiveness, some users may find the Jelly's longer travel distance preferable for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, generating a satisfying bottom-out sound that adds to the overall typing experience without being intrusive. This makes it suitable for both gaming and daily typing tasks. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which can provide a more pronounced acoustic feedback. The difference in sound profiles suggests that while both switches can produce pleasant auditory experiences, users looking for a softer yet deeper sound might prefer the Jelly, while those who enjoy a more pronounced yet refined sound may lean toward the Flaming Pink. It’s also important to keep in mind that the final sound experience will significantly depend on the choice of keyboard, board, and keycaps used with these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch stands out for its smooth, responsive typing experience, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who appreciate a high-quality tactile feedback. The switch’s design ensures a seamless travel from top to bottom, lending itself well to rapid typing and gaming actions without any stuttering. On the other hand, the Jelly switch is also super smooth due to its excellent factory lube and has a lightweight actuation force of 42g, which enhances its responsiveness. The lighter actuation of the Jelly switch allows for quicker key presses, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize speed in gaming or typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Jelly linear switches cater to different preferences while delivering enjoyable experiences. The Flaming Pink excels with its bright sound and smooth feedback, perfect for users who want a refined auditory experience, while the Jelly offers a deeper sound and lighter feel, appealing to those who prefer quicker actuation and a more pronounced thock. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent performance, and users can expect quality results in terms of sound and feel, depending on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Jelly linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and overall typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and responsive feel coupled with a satisfying, bright sound profile, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option, offering a delightful tactile experience for both gaming and daily tasks. This makes it ideal for individuals who enjoy a lively typing environment without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a deeper, thocky sound and want a super smooth feel thanks to the exceptional factory lubrication, the HMX Jelly switch may be the better fit for you. With its lighter actuation force, the Jelly is particularly appealing to those who desire less resistance while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what you value more in your keyboard experience: the bright responsiveness of the Flaming Pink or the deeper acoustics and smoothness of the Jelly, as both switches deliver unique qualities that can enhance your typing or gaming setup.
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