HMX Jelly vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence both typing experience and sound profile. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound signature paired with a super smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. With a lightweight actuation force of just 42g, the Jelly allows for rapid and effortless keystrokes, catering to gamers and typists alike who thrive on speed. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a tactile experience with its well-defined bump at 50g of actuation force, providing a delightful feedback that keeps typists engaged without causing finger fatigue, thanks to its lighter 37g actuation for the initial press. The translucent design of the Phalaenopsis also adds a visual appeal, making it an attractive option for those who value aesthetics alongside functionality. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you value smoothness and quietness with the Jelly or a tactile punch with the Phalaenopsis. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jelly features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer composition of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output when typing. This characteristic of nylon enhances the overall dampening of sound frequencies, creating a rich typing experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis incorporates a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate generates a higher pitch when typing, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback.
While the Jelly’s housing materials provide a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes warmth and richness, the Phalaenopsis combines the benefits of polycarbonate throughout its structure to emphasize clarity and brightness. This difference is particularly noticeable in the bottom-out sound; with the Jelly, the nylon bottom absorbs more sound, effectively muting the loudness of the keystroke. In comparison, the Phalaenopsis delivers a crisper and more distinct bottom-out sound due to the polycarbonate's hardness. Thus, users of the Jelly may enjoy a softer typing experience, while those who opt for the Phalaenopsis will likely favor the pronounced sound and feel associated with the stiffer plastic.
If users desire similar auditory results across both switches, they would need to experiment with the typing technique or combine them with sound-dampening modifications, such as O-rings, especially with the KTT Phalaenopsis, which tends to resonate more. The combination of different housing materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience, but both can be tailored to meet individual preferences. Ultimately, whether one prefers the rounded warmth of nylon or the crisp clarity of polycarbonate, achieving the desired sound profile can be facilitated through personal customization and adjustments, allowing both switches to cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces while noting similarities in their bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the KTT Phalaenopsis is lighter at 37 grams. This makes the Jelly feel more substantial during typing, ideal for users who prefer a firmer touch. Interestingly, the bottom out forces of both switches are relatively close; the Jelly's is 48 grams, while the Phalaenopsis's is slightly heavier at 50 grams. Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches fall into the light category, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming without excessive finger fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether a user prefers a slightly stronger typing experience with the Jelly or the lighter touch of the Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Jelly linear switch is 3.8 mm, whereas the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch offers a shorter distance compared to the Phalaenopsis, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times due to the decreased travel distance. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper actuation point might gravitate towards the Phalaenopsis for its greater travel distance. As a result, if you value responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the HMX Jelly would be the better option, while the KTT Phalaenopsis may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch delivers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, characterized by a rich, satisfying thud when pressed. This sound profile is known for its fullness, making each keystroke feel substantial and impactful. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch also produces a deep bassy sound, described as thocky, which contributes to a similarly rich auditory experience. Both switches seem to favor a deeper frequency range, promoting a sense of auditory pleasure during typing, though the exact nuances may vary depending on the specific keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Jelly switch is noted for its incredible smoothness, attributed to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force, which allows for a fluid typing experience. The KTT Phalaenopsis switch, on the other hand, features a light actuation force of 37g, making it easy on the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. However, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a 50g tactile force with a discernible bump, providing a distinct two-stage feel which some typists may find particularly rewarding. In contrast, the Jelly's lack of tactile feedback means it offers a more linear experience, which can be favorable for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes.
In summary, while both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch share a preference for deeper sound profiles, they diverge in their tactile feedback and overall feel. The Jelly’s smooth and lightweight actuation may appeal to those seeking a fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions, while the Phalaenopsis offers medium tactile feedback with its stepped design, making it suitable for typists who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke response. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a smooth and lightweight experience, the Jelly switch, with its 42g actuation force and low-pitched thock sound, is ideal for both casual typing and gaming, allowing for rapid key presses without much finger fatigue. The rich, deep sound signature of the Jelly also enhances the auditory experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback during their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump that provides clear feedback for each press, the KTT Phalaenopsis is your go-to choice. Its light actuation force of 37g minimizes effort during typing while the 50g tactile force delivers a delightful stepped feel, which is especially beneficial for long typing sessions where you want to maintain comfort without sacrificing the satisfaction of a tactile response. Ultimately, both switches cater to different experiences: choose the Jelly for smoothness and sound, and the Phalaenopsis for a tactile typing journey.
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