HMX Jelly vs. KTT Kang White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the HMX Jelly and the KTT Kang White, both linear switches that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, achieved through excellent factory lubrication, making it a delight for typists who enjoy a lightweight experience with a 42g actuation force. Its low-pitched sound signature provides a satisfying auditory feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White offers a poppy typing experience complemented by a dazzling sound that captivates users. Constructed from self-lubricating materials, this switch provides a remarkable smoothness that many find irresistible. While the Jelly excels in producing a more mellow sound, the Kang White shines with its lively auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

KTT Kang White Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$1.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the KTT Kang White switches utilize differing materials in their top housings, which significantly affects their respective sound profiles. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, known for its softer nature, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This absorption of sound by nylon results in a rounder and less harsh acoustics, making it preferable for users seeking a more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Kang White's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that fosters a sharper and crisper sound. Typing on switches with polycarbonate housings produces a more pronounced and resonant sound profile, ideal for users who favor clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. Therefore, the fundamental difference lies in the tonal qualities imparted by the respective materials; the Jelly leans towards warmth, while the Kang White emphasizes clarity.

In contrast, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Kang White employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared sound characteristic in terms of depth and fullness. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, the bottom-out feel remains consistent, with a dampened auditory impact due to the soft nature of the nylon. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining the tactile feedback experienced during keystrokes, and since both switches utilize nylon here, users can expect a similar bottom-out sensation. The reliance on nylon in the bottom housing ensures that, despite the differences in the top materials, the foundation of the key press experience maintains a degree of continuity across both switches.

Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch. The HMX Jelly's nylon top housing results in a sound profile that emphasizes warmth and depth, while the KTT Kang White's polycarbonate top housing highlights crispness and clarity. However, the use of nylon in both bottom housings harmonizes the tactile feedback and sound upon bottoming out. Users looking for varied sound profiles while retaining a similar typing feel may find these switches appealing. By understanding the interplay of these materials, enthusiasts can select a switch that best suits their desired auditory and tactile preferences while still enjoying a consistent bottom-out experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the KTT Kang White requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Jelly more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jelly again remains lighter at 48 grams compared to the Kang White's 58 grams. This indicates that not only does the Jelly require less force to actuate, but it also provides a softer landing when fully pressed down, aligning well with users seeking a gentler typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Kang White offers a more substantial feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a firm tactile experience. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter option, making it favorable for users who value comfort and prolonged use, whereas the Kang White's heavier forces cater to a preference for a more pronounced keystroke feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, we find that the Jelly has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kang White extends to 4 mm. This means that users of the Jelly switch may experience quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor a more responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Kang White's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a satisfying depth that some users prefer. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches hinges on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key depth; the Jelly offers a quicker activation, while the Kang White delivers a fuller feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which imparts a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. This thockiness can make each keystroke feel satisfying and pronounced, contributing to a more immersive typing environment. Conversely, the KTT Kang White switch presents a dazzling typing sound that leans more toward a neutral pitch. While it may not share the same deep resonance as the Jelly, the Kang White's sound is designed to be clean and engaging, making it versatile for various environments—whether for work or leisure. Both switches will likely produce a sound affected by the keyboard's build materials and the keycaps used, but the overall auditory characteristics differ distinctly between the two, with the Jelly favoring a heavier thock and the Kang White offering a brighter, more neutral tone.

Regarding feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its super smooth operation, largely attributed to its excellent factory lube, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The lightweight actuation force of 42g further enhances this smooth experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions without added fatigue. In comparison, the KTT Kang White switch also boasts a remarkable smoothness, thanks in part to its self-lubricating material. This feature allows for a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, although the specific tactile feedback compared to the Jelly is less defined in this context. Overall, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize effortless key presses.

In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch bring unique auditory and tactile qualities to the table. The Jelly offers a notably low-pitched, deep thocky sound paired with an ultra-smooth feel, while the Kang White provides a neutral, dazzling sound with its self-lubricating material ensuring great smoothness. Though they cater to slightly different auditory preferences, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, allowing users to choose between a bass-heavy feel and a more neutral sound without sacrificing smoothness in either case.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and KTT Kang White linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a responsive feel, the Jelly may be the better option for you. Its low-pitched, thocky sound signature combined with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams makes it ideal for casual typing and gaming, especially if you favor a smooth and more tactile experience thanks to its excellent factory lube. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier, more substantial feel during your keystrokes, the Kang White switches with their 58 grams bottom-out force might be your go-to choice. Their poppy sound profile and self-lubricating material offer a plush typing experience that remains delightful for long sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feel and sound you find most enjoyable, whether it's the light and smooth characteristics of the Jelly or the robust and vibrant nature of the Kang White switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more