KTT Hyacinth vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jelly both present compelling options for enthusiasts looking for linear performance, but they cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The KTT Hyacinth is distinguished by its unique 3.5mm travel distance, designed to reduce the hard bottoming-out sensation often experienced with longer-stem switches. Its use of a single-stage elongated spring ensures a consistent force curve, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balance of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, characterized by a neutral, silky, and subtle feel. In contrast, the HMX Jelly is known for its deep, thocky sound signature, offering a satisfying auditory experience thanks to exceptional factory lube and a lightweight 42g actuation force, promoting a smooth and effortless keypress. While both switches deliver remarkable performance, the Hyacinth emphasizes comfort and consistency, whereas the Jelly focuses on an enjoyable auditory experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jelly switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which profoundly affect their acoustic attributes. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sounds produced during typing. Conversely, the HMX Jelly incorporates nylon as its top housing material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, results in a fuller, deeper sound profile by absorbing sound rather than amplifying it. This fundamental difference in material composition means that users can expect a distinct auditory experience when using either switch, with the Hyacinth providing a crisper and more articulate response while the Jelly offers a warmer and rounder tone.
Despite the contrasting materials in the top housing, both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jelly share nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means that the experience of typing on either switch will feel deeper and fuller, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, ensuring that both the Hyacinth and Jelly deliver a satisfying typing experience. Users can thus expect a similar tactile sensation when reaching the bottom of their key presses, thanks to the consistent use of nylon. Therefore, while the switches might differ in their top housing acoustics, they bond over the shared bottom housing material that enhances the overall typing feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of the materials used in both switches leads to a diverse range of sound profiles and typing experiences. For those who appreciate a sharper auditory feedback paired with a clear sound, the Hyacinth would be the preferred choice due to its polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, users who favor a more subdued and fuller typing sound will gravitate towards the HMX Jelly with its nylon top housing. However, the nylon bottom housing present in both switches ensures that both will deliver satisfying, impactful keypresses. Through these comparisons, it's evident that while both switches cater to different acoustic preferences, they also converge in terms of tactile experience, primarily due to the shared characteristics imparted by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jelly linear switches, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hyacinth switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference in actuation force means that users might find the Jelly switch easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or lengthy gaming. However, the Hyacinth switch, while slightly heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key feel. Ultimately, the Jelly is the lighter of the two, while the Hyacinth is the heavier option, allowing users to choose between a lighter, easier press and a firmer, more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is clear that they differ in their measurements. The Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Jelly boasts a greater travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm suggests that typists or gamers who prefer quicker and more responsive keystrokes might lean towards the Hyacinth, given its shorter travel distance. In contrast, those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feel may favor the Jelly due to its longer travel distance, which provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying press. Thus, each switch caters to distinct preferences: the Hyacinth for speed and responsiveness, and the Jelly for a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 of the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jelly linear switches, the Hyacinth has a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level. This makes it versatile enough for a wide range of environments, whether in a home or office setting, without being too intrusive. In contrast, the Jelly switches produce a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying auditory experience. This deeper sound can offer a more pronounced feedback compared to the Hyacinth’s more balanced acoustics.
In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth switches excel with their silky and subtle characteristics. The silky feel provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing any resistance during key presses and releases. This quality can greatly enhance typing comfort, especially over extended periods. Meanwhile, the subtle nature of the switch offers just the right amount of resistance to ensure a controlled feel without being overly heavy, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The feel of the Jelly switch remains unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare the tactile sensation it offers.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Hyacinth and HMX Jelly linear switches cater to different auditory preferences, they also provide distinctive tactile experiences. The Hyacinth’s neutral sound profile and silky-smooth feel make it a versatile choice for many users. On the other hand, the Jelly's unique, low-pitched sound can appeal to those seeking a more pronounced auditory experience. The Hyacinth's carefully chosen design features result in an ideal balance of comfort and performance, while details regarding the Jelly's feel remain to be explored further. Overall, each switch type provides unique qualities, allowing users to select based on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Hyacinth and the HMX Jelly linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between smoothness and comfort, the Hyacinth is an excellent choice, especially if you're concerned about avoiding harsh bottoming-out sensations. Its 56g bottom out force provides a satisfactory tactile feedback, making it suitable for both novice and experienced typists alike. Additionally, the Hyacinth’s neutral sound profile means it won’t disrupt your surroundings, making it a versatile option for home or office use. On the other hand, if you enjoy an ultra-light, super smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound, the HMX Jelly switches may be more to your liking. With only a 48g bottom out force and excellent factory lubrication, these switches deliver a delightful auditory and tactile experience without demanding much effort. They are ideal for those who enjoy a light touch and want a more pronounced sound signature, especially in quieter settings where the unique sound can truly shine. Ultimately, consider what elements matter most to you—be it force, sound, or typing feel—before making your decision.
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