TTC Gold Red Pro vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Jelly linear switches offer compelling yet distinct options. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience that caters to a wide range of user preferences, thanks to its neutral sound signature that is neither too pronounced nor too muted. This gentle balance makes it an excellent choice for diverse environments—whether you’re gaming, working in an office, or enjoying some leisurely typing. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly stands out with its deep, thocky sound profile and lightweight actuation force of just 42g, which, coupled with its exceptional factory lubrication, delivers a super smooth typing experience. While both switches are linear and designed for a quiet operation, their unique characteristics can cater to different user needs and environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Jelly switches showcase contrasting approaches to designing sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it well-suited for users who prefer a clear auditory feedback when typing. The translucence of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Jelly switch utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition tends to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience that may appeal to those who favor a more muted feedback when typing.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent element of sound and feel across both models. This shared material choice enhances the deeper and fuller sound characteristic found in both switches, as nylon's softer properties contribute to the muffled, subdued nature of bottom-out sounds. The combination of the nylon bottom housing leads to a cohesive experience when typing, as the bottom's sound profile provides a more rounded clunk when keys are fully pressed down. By having the same material for the bottom housing, both switches give users a common tactile experience, regardless of the differing top materials.
When considering the overall sound profile and user experience, the distinct top housing materials create a notable contrast that emphasizes each switch's unique auditory identity. While the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top delivers a more pronounced and crisp sound on key release, the Jelly's nylon top ensures a soft, rounded auditory sensation. As a result, the two switches cater to different preferences and styles of typing, allowing users to select based on their desired auditory feedback while maintaining a shared depth and fullness in their overall sound due to nylon's presence in the bottom housing. Hence, while they differ in sound profile owing to their top housings, both switches can offer a combination of characteristics that cater to diverse typing habits.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Jelly's 42 grams. This small difference may contribute to a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a heavier touch. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the Jelly switch features a bottom out force of 48 grams, classified as light. Consequently, users might experience a more pronounced tactile feedback when bottoming out the Jelly switch compared to the uncertainty with the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the Gold Red Pro might appeal to those who enjoy a slightly firmer actuation, while the Jelly, with its light bottom out and lighter overall feel, would be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that you can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can anticipate comparable results in terms of key press depth and responsiveness. This uniformity makes them suitable alternatives for those seeking a similar feel in their keyboard setup.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch stands out with its neutral sound signature, giving it a versatile profile that is neither too loud nor overly muted. It ultimately produces a moderately low-pitched tone, with a thocky quality that manifests as a deep, satisfying thud when the key is pressed and released. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments, from gaming to office work, where you don’t want to disturb others. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep sound signature, described as thocky, which complements its smoothness. The Jelly's sound may be perceived as a bit more pronounced due to its deep tones, which can add a unique auditory element to typing sessions. Depending on the specific board and keycap configuration used, both switches can yield a satisfying auditory experience, but the Jelly may carry a more noticeable presence in sound.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro linear switch excels with its polished and silky characteristics, offering a remarkably smooth typing experience characterized by minimal resistance. The gentle actuation and subtle response make these switches approachable for users of all levels, enhancing the overall typing feel while maintaining a refined control across the keys. On the other hand, specific feel characteristics of the HMX Jelly switch are not explicitly detailed, but its excellent factory lubrication contributes to its overall smoothness. If it shares a similar manufacturing quality, one can expect a fluid typing experience with the Jelly as well.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the HMX Jelly linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is versatile and suitable for a range of environments with its neutral, mild sound and polished feel. The Jelly’s deeper sound may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced auditory experience, while its smoothness and lightweight action can provide satisfying feedback. Ultimately, both switches ensure a pleasing typing experience, and users can expect satisfying results from either option depending on their preference for sound and tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, your personal preferences and specific usage scenarios should guide your decision. If you are looking for a versatile switch that seamlessly transitions between different activities—be it typing, gaming, or casual use—the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. Its smooth actuation and neutral sound signature make it suitable for any environment, be it an office or home setting, and it's especially ideal if you appreciate a refined typing experience without any undue distractions. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more tactile auditory feedback and a deeper sound signature, the Jelly switch could be your go-to option. With its low-pitched thocky sound and a light bottom-out force, it offers a satisfying acoustic profile that stands out, while remaining smooth thanks to its factory lube. This makes the Jelly a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing without the need for heavy key presses. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the auditory experience and tactile feel that you find most appealing, as both switches excel in different aspects.
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