HMX Jelly vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the HMX Jelly and the KTT Pine stand out as appealing linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature that creates a satisfying auditory feedback, complemented by an exceptionally smooth feel thanks to its high-quality factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force. In contrast, the KTT Pine provides a medium-heavy feel, designed for an effortless typing experience; its translucent, forest green design enhances aesthetics while its polished factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, making for a buttery smooth keystroke. While the Jelly excites with its thocky resonance and lighter response, the Pine impresses with its luscious feel and solid build. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and KTT Pine switches illustrate the distinct sonic qualities embedded in their differing housing materials. The Jelly’s use of nylon for both the top and bottom housing ensures that the switches produce a deep and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which contributes to sound absorption and a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure allows for more resonance and clarity in sound, leading to a more pronounced typing experience. Thus, while both switches could be used to achieve satisfying results in a keyboard setup, the modalities by which they generate sound differ starkly due to the inherent properties of their housing materials.
In examining the bottoms of the switches, the differences in sound profile persist. The Jelly's nylon bottom housing continues the trend of providing a deep and muted auditory feedback, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Conversely, the KTT Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the acoustic sharpness, resulting in a noticeably crisper sound during bottoming out. This distinction is crucial for typists who may have preferences for tactile and auditory feedback in their keypresses; while the Jelly promotes a warm and rounded feel, the Pine enhances the auditory clarity and responsiveness of each keystroke. Such characteristics help users determine the ideal switch depending on their sensory preferences and operational requirements.
When considering the overall user experience, it becomes evident that while both the HMX Jelly and KTT Pine can serve functionally similar purposes in terms of typing and gaming performance, their sound profiles and feedback mechanisms cater to different tastes. If a user aims to replicate similar experiences across these variants, they must be aware of the contrasting effects of each housing material. A keyboard with a mix of both housing types will present a unique hybrid experience, leading to an interplay of sounds and sensations. Therefore, understanding how the interplay of different materials enhances or modifies the auditory feedback is key to tailoring the perfect typing environment, whether one opts for the deep tones of nylon or the crisp clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jelly features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Pine has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort may opt for the HMX Jelly, while users looking for a stronger push may find the KTT Pine more appealing. Overall, the lighter Jelly's forces facilitate longer typing sessions, while the heavier Pine offers a more robust experience, ensuring that each has its own set of advantages depending on user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Pine measures 4 mm. This means that the Jelly offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide faster response times, making it a potential favorite for gamers looking for that edge. Conversely, the Pine's longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, as it can provide a more pronounced depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus the tactile sensation of depth. If you prefer quicker actuation, the Jelly is the better option, while those who favor a more hearty experience may gravitate towards the Pine.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 thock that creates a rich auditory experience when typing. This sound signature, combined with the Jelly’s lightweight actuation force of 42g, results in a thocky and satisfying auditory feedback that’s pleasing without being overly sharp or high-pitched. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch presents a bassy sound, noted for its depth and richness, with a naturally low-pitched resonance as well. This gives the Pine switch a mellow and smooth sound during key presses, reminiscent of deep bass tones. While both switches may offer a satisfying auditory experience, the Jelly provides a distinct thocky quality, whereas the Pine emphasizes a more rounded and bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, enhanced by factory lubrication that results in a lightweight typing experience. Although specific descriptors for the feel of the Jelly are not provided, the mention of its smoothness implies an effortless travel across the keys. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is celebrated for its buttery and creamy feel, which provides an effortless typing journey. This switch offers a silky smooth sensation that enhances overall typing comfort, while the factory lubrication significantly reduces friction. Both switches focus on a smooth typing experience, but the Pine’s creamy quality might provide a slightly richer tactile sensation compared to the lightweight Jelly.
In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Pine linear switches have subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jelly’s thocky sound and lightweight design contrast with the Pine's bassy audio and buttery feel, showcasing two distinct yet smooth typing experiences. If you appreciate a low-pitched thock, the Jelly is an excellent option, while those who favor a deeper audio profile with a notable creamy sensation may lean towards the Pine. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile preference in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. If you favor a lightweight typing experience with a soft actuation force, the Jelly switch would be an excellent fit for you, particularly because of its low-pitched, thocky sound signature that offers a deep auditory feedback during use. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or casual gaming where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that provides a richer sound profile with a buttery smooth feel, then the KTT Pine linear switch is tailored for you. Its polished finish and slight resistance lend a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance both typing and gaming performance. Ultimately, consider whether you value a lighter, thocky experience with the Jelly or a more balanced, creamy typing sensation with the Pine to find the switch that complements your style best.
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