HMX Jelly vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the KTT Mint are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its distinctive low-pitched, deep thocky sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience that many typists find appealing. With a lightweight actuation force of 42g and an exceptionally smooth feel attributed to its factory lubrication, the Jelly strikes a balance that makes it ideal for users who desire an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is known for its satisfyingly smooth action, enhanced by a long pole stem that gives its keystrokes a unique poppy thockiness. Described as light and fleeting, the Mint offers a typing feel that caters to users who appreciate a more neutral and polished response. Both switches present strong arguments for why one might be preferred over the other, depending on your specific acoustic and tactile preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and KTT Mint switches utilize differing materials for their top housing, leading to distinct sound profiles during use. The Jelly's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material known for its softer properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic allows the switch to absorb more sound and create a duller, more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Mint features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clarity and resonance associated with polycarbonate enhance the overall typing experience, especially in RGB-lit environments where the material’s translucency complements the lighting effects.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Mint switches share the same nylon composition for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches deliver a deeper sound profile when bottoming out, resulting in a subdued, fuller auditory feel. The nylon bottom housing effectively absorbs sound, ensuring that the typing experience remains consistent between the two switches when pressed down. This similarity allows users to enjoy a familiar bottom-out sound, even as they experience contrasting sensations in the top housing.

Overall, the disparity in top housing materials contributes significantly to the unique acoustic properties of each switch, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing acts as a stabilizing feature. Those who prefer a softer sound profile might gravitate toward the Jellies, while users drawn to a crisper and more defined audio experience may favor the Mints. Nevertheless, because the bottom housings are the same, the overarching typing experience remains closely aligned, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of feel and sound during key presses while benefiting from the nuanced differences brought by the unique top housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to varying preferences in typing experiences. The HMX Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a softer touch and prolonged typing sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the KTT Mint switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-light touch. Consequently, for individuals looking for a lighter switch to enhance their typing comfort during long work hours or gaming, the HMX Jelly is the preferable choice. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a firmer response for users who appreciate a stronger pushback when typing. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches present clear options based on user preferences for weight and feedback during usage.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Jelly requires a shorter press than the Mint. For gamers or users who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Jelly may offer the advantage of faster actuation. However, the Mint, with its more traditional travel distance, can provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key feel. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the HMX Jelly is the shorter option, making it ideal for rapid inputs, whereas the KTT Mint offers a longer travel for a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky signature that provides a rich, resonant auditory experience. This sound profile is often favored for its warm tone, which can add a satisfying element to typing and gaming sessions alike. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch also offers a low-pitched sound quality but is distinctly noted for its poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. While both switches share this deeper tone, the Mint introduces a unique auditory element with its pronounced "pop," making it an interesting option for users who enjoy a more dynamic sound profile. Sound perception can also vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so the ultimate decision may come down to personal preference.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Jelly is commended for its exceptional smoothness resulting from excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This combination creates a seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, making it approachable for users who might find more aggressive switches daunting. The Mint's polished finish reduces friction, resulting in a smooth key travel that enhances the experience further. Both switches provide a refined typing experience, but the Jelly leans towards a lighter, smoother actuation, while the Mint emphasizes a gentle yet dynamic touch.

In summary, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Mint linear switches bring their own unique qualities to the table. While they both share a low-pitched sound signature, each offers a distinct auditory experience—the Jelly being deeper and richer, while the Mint adds a pop to the thock. In terms of feel, the Jelly excels in its smooth, lightweight actuation, contrasting with the Mint's polished and mild experience that's friendly to a broader audience. For newcomers, choosing between them will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, both of which promise a satisfying typing experience overall.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch will depend on your specific typing preferences and the environment you plan to use them in. If you lean towards a lighter feel with a notable sound signature, the Jelly switch might be the better option for you. Its 48g bottom-out force and low-pitched, thocky sound offer an engaging typing experience that's perfect for casual use or home office environments where you want a unique auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier keypress with a more neutral sound profile, the KTT Mint switches would likely suit you better. Their 53g bottom-out force combined with a poppy thockiness and mild yet polished feel provide a balanced experience that's excellent for both typing and gaming. In essence, choose the Jelly for its lightness and unique sound, and opt for the Mint for a more versatile and refined experience. By determining your typing habits and sound preferences, you can confidently select the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more