HMX Jelly vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the HMX Jelly and the KTT Orange, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The HMX Jelly is renowned for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, coupled with a lightweight actuation force of 42g that offers a smooth keystroke thanks to its excellent factory lubrication. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a softer touch and an auditory feedback that feels rich yet controlled. On the other hand, the KTT Orange Switches are characterized by their bouncy feel, attributed to their 22mm long spring, and a slick typing experience facilitated by their polycarbonate milky top housing and POM stem. The vibrant orange nylon bottom housing further enhances its aesthetic appeal while providing a low-pitched sound profile. Ideal for users seeking a frictionless experience, the KTT Orange strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Both switches present compelling features; 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
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and KTT Orange switches, it is clear that they utilize different types of plastics for both their top and bottom housings. The Jelly employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material known for its softer qualities. This introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is more subdued and rounded. The sound is absorbed effectively by nylon, which minimizes higher frequencies and creates a more muted auditory experience. Consequently, users may find the Jelly to provide a more relaxed and less sharp feedback when typing, perfect for those who appreciate a quieter keyboard.
In contrast, the KTT Orange switches feature polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, known for its rigidity and clarity. Polycarbonate produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, leading to a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The translucency of polycarbonate not only delivers a visually striking appearance, especially beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts, but also enhances the overall sound resonance of the switch. Users of the KTT Orange can expect a typing experience that is sharp and vibrant, making it an ideal choice for those looking for more tactile feedback and auditory clarity.
While the HMX Jelly and KTT Orange switches use different materials, their respective housing impacts the sound and feel during typing in complementary ways. In both cases, the bottom housing substantially contributes to the bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound created upon key release. Thus, while the Jelly may offer a warmer and softer sound profile with its nylon housing throughout, the KTT Orange provides a contrasting sharpness and clarity with its polycarbonate design. Ultimately, each switch's characteristics reflect its material composition, allowing users to select switches that align best with their tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, significant differences emerge. The HMX Jelly has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This differential in forces suggests that the Orange switch provides a firmer typing experience, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter option with less effort for keystrokes, the HMX Jelly is the better choice, while the KTT Orange may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The HMX Jelly linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Jelly switch the longer of the two, offering a more pronounced depth when pressed compared to the Orange switch. For users who prefer a deeper feel and a tactile response, the HMX Jelly would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the KTT Orange, with its shorter travel distance, provides a more responsive experience, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Jelly, whereas those looking for faster responsiveness may opt for the Orange.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky resonance that creates a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. This sound signature is particularly appealing to those who prefer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it enjoyable in both gaming and typing contexts. Similarly, the KTT Orange switch also features a low-pitched sound profile, which is generally regarded as mellow and bass-heavy. While both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, the exact tonal qualities may vary slightly due to differences in construction and materials. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound experience will also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used in combination with these switches.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the HMX Jelly is noted for its super smooth action attributed to an excellent factory lube and a lightweight actuation force of 42g. This smoothness complements the ease of pressing the keys, making it suitable for long typing sessions. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, is designed to provide a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm long spring, delivering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that rebounds under your fingers. Additionally, its frictionless travel ensures an effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance. The Jelly's smoothness and the Orange's bounciness create distinct typing experiences: one leans towards seamlessness, while the other emphasizes a lively, responsive feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Orange switches provide compelling options for those looking for linear switches, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Jelly's deep thocky sound and smooth operation appeals to users seeking a satisfyingly robust experience, while the Orange's low-pitched, bouncy nature with a frictionless typing experience attracts those who prefer a vibrant and responsive key feel. While their sound profiles are similar, their differing tactile responses offer distinct characteristics that can shape your overall typing or gaming experience. Users can expect pleasing auditory and tactile sensations from either switch, ensuring their needs and preferences are met regardless of which option they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound that gives a satisfying auditory feedback while typing, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice for you. Its 42g actuation force and smooth action, thanks to its exceptional factory lube, make it ideal for extended typing sessions or for those who prioritize a soft, comfortable feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncier feedback and a more engaging typing sensation, the KTT Orange switch might be more your style. With a slightly higher bottom out force at 53 grams, the Orange’s lively, elastic feel combined with its low-pitched sound profile ensures a pleasant and responsive typing experience, perfect for both gaming and regular use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a lighter, smoother response or a more robust, tactile feedback, as both switches bring distinct advantages to your mechanical keyboard setup.
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