KTT Glimp vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and the HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glimp stands out with its medium-light actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience that combines tactile feedback with a moderately clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a solid response without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly excels in delivering a super smooth keystroke characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound. With a lightweight 42g actuation force and exceptional factory lubrication, it caters to users who prioritize a silky typing feel and muted auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique strengths; whether you're drawn to the Glimp's satisfying feedback or the Jelly's smoothness, your choice ultimately depends on your typing style and sound 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
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and HMX Jelly switch models showcase distinct differences primarily in their top housing materials. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition that promotes a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for accommodating RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Jelly employs a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature that absorbs sound better than harder materials. This contrast in sound characteristics can significantly affect the typing experience, with the Glimp providing a more lively auditory response compared to the muted tone of the Jelly.
On the other hand, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Jelly share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon—which is a classic choice in switch construction. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it dampens sound to create a rounder auditory experience. Both switches will evoke similar sound qualities when typing due to their shared nylon bottom, meaning that the tactile experience and impact sound upon bottoming out will feel notably alike. Thus, users can expect a sense of continuity in auditory feedback when engaging with the bottom of either switch, despite the differences presented in the top materials.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the KTT Glimp and HMX Jelly presents a unique blend of auditory experiences. While the Glimp’s polycarbonate top aims for clarity and brightness, the Jelly's nylon top focuses on warmth and depth. However, the nylon bottoms on both switches create a common ground that ensures the typing experience retains a level of consistency. This hierarchical division in how sound profiles contribute to the switch’s overall character exemplifies the complexity of mechanical switch design, illustrating how material choices influence both the functional and aesthetic qualities of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we can see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Jelly requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Jelly for prolonged use, as its lower force requirements may alleviate fatigue over longer sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Glimp’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide that tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches offer their unique characteristics, the Jelly is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for those who favor ease of use, while the Glimp offers a slightly more resistant feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Glimp stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jelly offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Jelly the shorter option of the two, theoretically providing a more responsive typing experience that some gamers might prefer for faster response times. On the other hand, the Glimp's longer travel distance caters to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, making it more suitable for those who might find shorter distances too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference—those seeking enhanced responsiveness may wish to opt for the Jelly, while individuals who favor a more pronounced depth would likely prefer the Glimp.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Glimp and HMX Jelly linear switches, the Glimp is characterized by a fairly clacky sound, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. This clackiness adds an engaging element to the typing experience, making it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate audible feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jelly switch features a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which tends to be more subdued and provides a mellow auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them will largely depend on personal preference, with the Glimp appealing to those who favor a more lively sound and the Jelly catering to users who appreciate a softer audio environment.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is noted for its creamy texture, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This pleasurable sensation is often enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, making typing feel both comfortable and responsive. Accompanying this creamy feel, the Glimp's actuation force provides a substantial yet manageable resistance, lending to a satisfying tactile experience. The Jelly switch, while it does not have specific descriptors available for its feel, is recognized for its ultra-smooth operation due to its excellent factory lube and lightweight actuation force of 42g. This suggests a typing experience that could be equally enjoyable but may differ in resistance levels compared to the Glimp, offering lighter feedback overall.
In summary, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Jelly linear switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Glimp excels with its clacky sound and creamy feel, providing a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, while the Jelly offers a low-pitched thock and a smoother touch with its lightweight design. Your choice will lean heavily on whether you prefer the engaging sounds and mid-weight feel of the Glimp or the gentle acoustics and lightness of action with the Jelly. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, demonstrating that even as they differ in distinct areas, satisfying results can be readily achieved based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a balanced, responsive feel with a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch is your best bet, especially if you're looking for a medium-light switch that won't overwhelm you during extended typing sessions. Its creamy texture and mild feedback can make it suitable for both work and casual use, ensuring a satisfying experience whether you're drafting emails or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a deeper, thocky sound, the Jelly switch will likely cater to your needs. With its lighter actuation force and smooth performance enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly excels in providing a quiet yet pleasurable typing experience, making it ideal for those who value minimal effort and a comfortable feel. In conclusion, your choice should reflect not just your typing style but also the sound and feedback characteristics that resonate with you the most.
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