HMX Jelly vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a crucial role in shaping the user experience. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature. With an impressively lightweight actuation force of 42g and its factory lubrication, the Jelly provides a seamless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity and quiet operation. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, offers its own distinct advantages with its pronounced, snappy tactility that gives typists clear feedback during use. Additionally, the Matcha delights users with a clean, satisfying sound profile thanks to its long pole stem—a feature that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Jelly excels in providing smoothness and tranquility, the Matcha stands out with its tactile feedback and acoustic qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the KTT Matcha switches utilize distinct housing materials that contribute to their differing sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jelly’s nylon top housing is characterized by a softer plastic composition, which lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This absorption of sound is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback, resulting in a rounder and less piercing sound. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing introduces a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of the sound, making each keystroke feel more impactful and vibrant. Aesthetically, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, which is advantageous for users seeking a visually dynamic setup.
When we consider the bottom housings, the differences between the Jelly and the Matcha become even more pronounced. The Jelly employs nylon for its bottom housing, echoing the same qualities found in its top housing. This means that the Jelly will maintain a cohesive sound profile, heavily influenced by the softer material, which promotes that characteristic rounded and deeper auditory feedback. Conversely, the Matcha’s polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant listening experience, further emphasizing the crisp sound profile it delivers. Thus, while both switches incorporate similar materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the use of nylon and polycarbonate creates distinct auditory experiences, reflecting the inherent qualities of each material.
Ultimately, if one were to create a switch utilizing a blend of both nylon and polycarbonate, similar results regarding sound and feel could still be achieved. For instance, if a switch were engineered with a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, it could potentially harness the benefits of both worlds. The top housing would absorb sound and contribute to a softer auditory experience when keys are released, while the bottom housing would provide a sharper, more resonant sound upon bottoming out. This synergy would allow for a custom tailored experience that balances the softness of nylon with the clarity of polycarbonate, thereby offering users the opportunity to enjoy the nuanced auditory feedback that they desire.
Weight
Comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch reveals both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Matcha switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches fall within the lighter category, making them suitable choices for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Jelly switch requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out than the Matcha switch, offering a slightly more substantial feel. Therefore, if someone prefers a lighter touch for their keyboard, the KTT Matcha switch would be the better option. Conversely, those who are looking for a more tactile experience may find the HMX Jelly's heavier forces more to their liking.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the HMX Jelly offers an advantage with its shorter distance, making it especially appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: the HMX Jelly offers a more responsive feel, while the KTT Matcha caters to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback with a longer actuation distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch delivers a low-pitched, thocky sound that provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback when typing. This sound profile is often favored for its muted yet rich acoustics, contributing to a serene typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch produces a clacky, crisp sound that is bright and percussive, thanks to its long pole stem. This results in a distinctly clean bottom-out noise, making it a delight for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. While both switches differ in sound characteristics, the final sound may still be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is characterized by its super smooth operation, which is complemented by a lightweight 42g actuation force that promotes a feather-light typing experience. It allows for quick keystrokes with minimal effort, making it suitable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Matcha switch offers a more complex tactile feel. Its design incorporates a snappy, stepped tactile feedback that provides two distinct stages in the keystroke, making every press feel alive and responsive. The tactile bump is noticeable but not overwhelming, combining medium tactility with elements that cater to users who prefer a more engaging typing sensation.
In summary, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Matcha switches offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Jelly excels in delivering a smooth, low-pitched sound and an exceptionally light feel for effortless typing, while the Matcha stands out with its clean, clacky sound and a comfortably snappy tactile response. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feedback, but either way, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that aligns with your desired qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice. Its lightweight feel and thocky sound make it ideal for quiet environments and long typing sessions, such as programming or writing, where you want minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more engaging typing experience, the Matcha switch may be more suitable. With its snappy and stepped tactile feedback, it provides a satisfying sensation that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort, making it preferable for general use and gaming. Additionally, the Matcha's clacky sound profile adds an element of auditory feedback that can be enjoyable if you appreciate a sharper, more percussive keystroke. Ultimately, consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, typing experience, or the intended use of your keyboard—are most important to you in order to make the best choice between these two distinctive switches.
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