HMX Jelly vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both stand out as exemplary linear options, yet each offers a unique experience tailored to different preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback coupled with a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it ideal for users who appreciate a smooth yet tactile sensation during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon excels in delivering a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which results in an effortless keystroke feel. While the Jelly focuses on sound feedback that many users find appealing, the Sea Salt Lemon prioritizes a seamless tactile experience for those who prefer a quieter yet equally responsive switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, we see a notable contrast between the top housings. The HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's translucency also enhances its appeal, particularly for users interested in showcasing RGB lighting, as this type of housing allows light to pass through effectively, creating striking visual effects.
Both the HMX Jelly and KTT Sea Salt Lemon share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both switches feature nylon in this portion. This similarity lends a unifying characteristic to the overall sound profile of both switches, as the nylon bottom housing in both cases elicits a deeper and fuller acoustic output. Despite the differences in the top housings, the nylon bottom creates a consistent experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, when pressed down, users will notice that the qualities of the nylon material create a smooth experience characterized by a rounder sound and a satisfying tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the HMX Jelly and KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ significantly—one being nylon and the other polycarbonate—the common use of nylon in the bottom housing bridges the gap between them. This shared aspect allows for a blend of auditory experiences: the richer sound produced by the nylon bottom complements the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top in the Sea Salt Lemon, while the same nylon bottom ensures the Jelly delivers a smooth auditory experience. Ultimately, whether one seeks the deeper sound profile of the Jelly or the crisper notes of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, the thoughtful design and materials employed assure both switches yield satisfying results tailored to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as light. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This indicates that while both switches provide a relatively light feel, the Jelly is the lighter option overall. Users looking for a softer typing experience that allows for extended periods of use may prefer the Jelly switch, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial push may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Lemon due to its heavier force. Thus, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience offered by each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance can offer a more substantial and satisfying depth of keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience. For those looking for quicker actuation, the HMX Jelly is the better choice, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who enjoy a deeper 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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is distinguished by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing. This sound profile adds a level of depth and richness to typing, making it feel authoritative and anchored. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch, on the other hand, offers a different auditory experience; it is characterized as low-pitched and neutral. This means it ensures a mellow tone, making it suitable for various environments, from quiet offices to bustling homes. The crossover between these two switches lies in their low-pitched qualities, suggesting that both provide a pleasing acoustic experience, albeit with the Jelly's sound leaning towards a more pronounced thock.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, attributed to its excellent factory lube and lightweight design with a 42g actuation force. This makes it a joy to type on, as users experience a seamless motion with each keystroke. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon also emphasizes a smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. However, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as mild, offering a gentler and more approachable typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a less exaggerated tactile sensation. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the Jelly switch may provide a bit more heft and character in its feel compared to the more subtle nature of the Sea Salt Lemon.
In summary, the HMX Jelly linear and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jelly excels with its rich, thocky sound and ultra-smooth feel, making it great for users who enjoy a more substantial auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon’s low-pitched, neutral sound and gentle typing characteristics make it a solid choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded and mild switch. While they differ in certain attributes, both can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will find pleasure in either choice based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a soft landing and a thocky sound that exudes a deep, satisfying tone, the Jelly is ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a quick and responsive feel during fast typing sessions or gaming. Its 48g bottom out force and excellent factory lubrication ensure a super smooth typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek a more balanced feel with a medium-light actuation force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon additionally offers a subtlety in sound and resilience through its progressive spring design. The buttery smoothness and neutral sound profile make these switches versatile; they work well for both casual typing environments and professional settings. Ultimately, choose the Jelly when you're drawn to a more pronounced auditory feedback and lighter feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon is the better option if you desire a gentler, adaptable experience that suits a broader range of scenarios.
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