TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences tailored to various preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant character and slightly bassier sound profile, delivering a poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory experience to each keystroke. With a light bottom-out force of 47 grams, this switch allows for quick and effortless typing, making it a favored choice for both enthusiasts and daily users. In contrast, the HMX Jelly boasts a deep, rich thocky sound that is supported by its superb factory lubrication, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience. With a lighter actuation force of just 42 grams, the Jelly can cater to those who prefer a softer touch while still delivering satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, making them excellent candidates for various typing styles. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Jelly switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings which significantly influence sound profiles. The Flaming Purple employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This results in a crisper auditory experience often favored by users seeking clarity in each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing that, due to its softer nature, absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder sound profile. This essential difference means that, while the Flaming Purple excels in producing a bright sound signature, the Jelly offers a warmer and more subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Flaming Purple and HMX Jelly switch utilize nylon, creating a consistency in their auditory characteristics. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding rounds of dimensionality to the keystrokes. Since both switches share this nylon bottom, users will notice that the bottom-out sound—how the switch feels and sounds when fully pressed down—will be similar in terms of depth and resonance, regardless of the top housing material. This aspect ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying feel during usage, albeit with differing experiences on release due to their contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Flaming Purple, versus the exclusive use of nylon in the Jelly, highlights the nuanced effects these materials have on sound production and typing experience. The sharper tones of the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top introduce a distinct clarity that is ideal for users who appreciate a more articulate sound. Meanwhile, the Jelly's all-nylon configuration creates a balanced, softer sound profile that may appeal to those preferring a mellower typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches successfully utilize their nylon bottoms to provide a consistently rich auditory experience, thereby allowing users to gravitate toward the switch that best aligns with their sound preferences.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Jelly linear switches both feature a similar actuation force of 42 grams, indicating that users will experience the same amount of resistance when pressing a key to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces; the Flaming Purple has a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Jelly's is slightly heavier at 48 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side, which makes them more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as they require less effort to press down. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch will find both switches appealing, but the Flaming Purple offers a marginally more forgiving bottom-out experience. In summary, while both switches provide a similar actuation force, the HMX Jelly is ever so slightly heavier at the bottom out, making the Flaming Purple the lighter option overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback. The Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jelly features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Flaming Purple offers a more responsive experience, suitable for gamers who prefer quicker key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, with its longer travel distance, provides a feel of more depth which might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Therefore, if you're looking for a shorter switch with a quicker response, the Flaming Purple is the preferable option; if you prefer a softer landing with a bit more depth, the HMX Jelly would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it stands out with its resonant character and a bassier tone that adds an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke. The switch's sound signature is fundamentally neutral but leans towards a lower frequency range, making it poppy and richer, ultimately providing a clean and sharp experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature. It delivers a more mellow auditory experience compared to the Flaming Purple, creating a sonorous thock when keys are pressed. Both switches offer a unique auditory profile, ensuring that users can find satisfaction in their chosen sound, though they are distinctly different in character.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery touch, requiring only a 47g bottom-out force for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Its easily pressed nature minimizes finger fatigue, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or study. Additionally, the Flaming Purple is described as silky, which enhances the smoothness of the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch, while also being smooth due to excellent factory lubrication, has a lighter actuation force of 42g, making it easy to activate and similarly comfortable for prolonged use. Although there is little information on the specific feel of the Jelly, the lightweight nature of both switches allows typists to appreciate an effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Jelly linear switches cater to different auditory preferences, with the Flaming Purple delivering a resonant and bassier sound while the Jelly offers a low-pitched thock. In terms of tactile experience, both provide a lightweight touch that minimizes fatigue, albeit with slightly differing actuation forces. Whether one prefers the engaging poppy nature of the Flaming Purple or the mellow thock of the Jelly switch, each offers a unique yet comfortable typing experience that can appeal to a variety of users in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a lightweight and effortless typing experience, the Flaming Purple is your go-to option. With its 47g bottom-out force and feathery touch, it allows for swift keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions—whether you are gaming, working, or enjoying daily typing tasks. Additionally, its unique sound profile, with a slight bassy resonance, adds an engaging auditory element that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, thocky sound signature coupled with smooth keypresses, the HMX Jelly could be a better fit for you. Slightly heavier at 48g, it still offers a light touch while delivering a satisfying auditory experience. Its exceptional factory lubrication ensures a silky-smooth typing feel that many users find appealing. Thus, assess your priorities: choose the Flaming Purple for lightness and engaging sound, or opt for the HMX Jelly for a deeper acoustic profile and unparalleled smoothness.
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