TTC Gold Brown vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and HMX Jelly switches present two distinct yet engaging options tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its balanced feel, offering a satisfying bump that enhances typing feedback without overwhelming the user. It features a moderately weighted actuation and a rounded, soft sound profile that makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a blend of subtlety and responsiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Jelly is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and a lightweight touch, with an impressively low actuation force of just 42g. Its deep, thocky sound adds a unique auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer an uninterrupted, fluid typing motion without the tactile feedback of a bump. While both switches have their unique charms tailored to varying preferences in typing feel and sound, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Jelly switches showcase a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, with the Gold Brown utilizing polycarbonate and the Jelly employing nylon. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly effective for applications that favor clarity and brightness, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also influences the overall acoustic resonance when RGB lighting is used, creating a sound profile that stands out due to its brighter characteristics.
In contrast, the HMX Jelly's nylon top housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in sound signatures means that users who prefer a more muted and soothing typing experience may lean towards the Jelly, while those seeking clarity and brightness may prefer the Gold Brown. Thus, the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the audible qualities of each switch, aligning with the preferences of different users.
Interestingly, both the TTC Gold Brown and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics in that regard. The nylon's inherent properties lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the switch, demonstrating that the bottom housing has a pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and typing feel. Consequently, while the two switches may diverge in their top housing materials and corresponding sound profiles, they converge in the acoustic warmth provided by the nylon bottom, ensuring that both switches produce a rich typing experience albeit through different auditory lenses.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that for those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Jelly would be the preferable choice. Conversely, the Gold Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who enjoy a firm push feel. Overall, the TTC Gold Brown is heavier while the HMX Jelly is lighter, giving distinct preferences for users based on their typing needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Gold Brown offers a more pronounced depth, making it potentially more appealing for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker actuation, often valued by gamers seeking faster response times in their gameplay. While both switches are relatively similar in their travel characteristics, the Gold Brown provides a more substantial feel, whereas the Jelly switch offers a more responsive, albeit more abrupt experience. Therefore, if you prioritize depth and tactile feedback, the Gold Brown would be the better choice, while the Jelly is suited for those who favor a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown switches offer a neutral tone that strikes a balance between a soft auditory experience and noticeable feedback. The rounded sound profile is softer than many other mechanical switches, making them versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in the workplace. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches produce a deep, thocky sound that is low-pitched, creating a distinct auditory signature that may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced audio feedback while typing. Both sounds are influenced by external factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, but the Gold Browns lean towards a more subdued sound while the Jellies sport a bolder thock.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches present a mild and buttery typing experience, characterized by a gentle tactile bump that is easily approachable for users at any skill level. This quality allows for a seamless and fluid keystroke, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Additionally, these switches are polished, contributing to a smoother key travel that reduces friction. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Jelly switch are created to be super smooth due to excellent factory lube, but no specific tactile descriptors are provided, making it challenging to directly compare their tactile feedback. However, this lightweight design with a 42g actuation force provides a unique feel that could be appealing to users looking for effortless key presses.
In conclusion, both TTC Gold Brown and HMX Jelly switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Gold Browns excel in providing a balanced auditory experience and a smooth, mild tactile sensation, making them suitable for various users, while the Jellies impress with their deep sound and easy actuation. Each offers unique qualities, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound dampening and tactile feedback or prefer a more pronounced auditory impact and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a balanced typing experience with a comforting tactile bump that provides feedback without being overwhelming, the Gold Brown is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams strikes a nice balance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming while maintaining a softer sound profile that won’t disturb those around you. This makes it a great choice for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter feel with a deeper sound signature, the HMX Jelly linear switch is the way to go. With a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, the Jelly is ideal for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions where a fluid keypress is essential. Its low-pitched, thocky sound adds a unique auditory satisfaction that many users find enjoyable. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you appreciate the tactile feedback and moderate resistance of the Gold Brown or the smooth, effortless keypress of the Jelly.
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