HMX Jelly vs. KTT Peach

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the KTT Peach both stand out as excellent linear options, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its unique low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that provides a satisfying auditory feedback while remaining incredibly smooth, thanks to its exceptional factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an attractive choice for gamers and typists seeking a quiet yet responsive experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach is revered for its syrupy smooth typing experience and similarly deep sound profile, appealing especially to those who enjoy a balanced and neutral feel when typing. With both switches offering a thocky sound and smooth action, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding actuation force and tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

KTT Peach Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the HMX Jelly and KTT Peach switches highlight distinct acoustic characteristics that significantly affect the typing experience. The Jelly's top housing is made from nylon, a softer plastic that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the KTT Peach’s top housing is composed of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, further distinguishing the aesthetic appeal of the Peach switch compared to the Jelly.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it's noteworthy that the Jelly and Peach switches share the same nylon material. This uniformity in bottom housing means that both switches will produce a similar impact on the typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out a keypress, as both switches will absorb sound effectively. Thus, while the top housings contribute distinctly to the sound profile, the bottom housings maintain a common acoustic quality that influences the overall feel and sound when keys are fully pressed down.

Ultimately, the differing materials in the top housings of the HMX Jelly and KTT Peach switches create a diverse typing experience. The Jelly's nylon top housing fosters a more muted sound, which can be preferable for those seeking a softer auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Peach's polycarbonate top housing delivers a brighter, crisper acoustic profile, appealing to users who favor a clearer sound. Nevertheless, since both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing how the interplay between housing materials influences the overall sound signature of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the Peach switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may desire. Thus, while both switches aim to provide a linear feel, the Jelly switch is lighter overall, making it an excellent option for those seeking comfort over extended use, whereas the Peach caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced resistance. The differences in bottom-out force further emphasize the heavier feel of the Peach switch compared to the Jelly, reinforcing the notion that choice in actuation and bottom-out forces should align with personal preference for typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, we find that the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Peach has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the KTT Peach offers a more traditional feel with its greater depth, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly's shorter 3.8 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, those who prefer a more responsive experience will likely gravitate towards the Jelly, while those who appreciate a fuller typing sensation may favor the Peach due to its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Jelly linear switch produces a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that is both satisfying and rich, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more resonant auditory experience. This sound profile is complemented by the excellent factory lubrication, which minimizes noise from any friction during keypresses. The KTT Peach linear switch also features a deep thocky sound profile, similar to the Jelly, but its tone is described as low-pitched with a more neutral characteristic. This neutrality allows it to serve well in a variety of environments, making it suitable for both home and work settings. Overall, both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience with their thocky nature, although the slight variances in pitch and neutrality may cater to different user preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is renowned for its smoothness, largely attributed to its high-quality factory lubrication. Coupled with a lightweight actuation force of 42g, it provides an effortless typing experience that many users find pleasurable. On the other hand, the KTT Peach offers a mild feel, which ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable for nearly everyone. While the Jelly focuses on delivering a distinctly high-quality smoothness, the Peach maintains a balanced middle-ground feel that minimizes any aggressive tactile sensations. Despite these differences, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, catering to different user preferences in responsiveness and feedback.

In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Peach linear switches offer appealing sound and feel characteristics, albeit with some nuanced differences. Each switch features a deep thocky sound, making them delightful for users who appreciate that auditory quality. However, the Jelly excels in its smoothness and lightweight actuation, while the Peach maintains a mild, balanced typing feel. Depending on individual preferences—whether prioritizing smoothness or a kinder touch—either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you find yourself gravitating towards a lighter switch and appreciate a smoother and quieter experience, the HMX Jelly, with its 42g actuation force and deep, thocky sound signature, would be an excellent fit for you. It's ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you enjoy the tactile feedback without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that still maintains a smooth typing feel but offers a more balanced sound signature, the KTT Peach, with its 53g bottom out force and a syrupy smooth experience, might be more to your liking. The Peach switch strikes a nice balance between enjoyment and versatility, making it suitable for both home and office environments. Ultimately, your decision will reflect your individual typing style and sound preferences, ensuring you find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Peach Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more