HMX Jelly vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Jelly and the KTT Semi Mute offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile and smooth typing experience, thanks to its excellent factory lube and lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it ideal for users who appreciate a tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory response. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches prioritize silence with their advanced dampening technology, delivering a completely noiseless operation that is perfect for late-night typists or those seeking a focused workspace. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Jelly excels in providing a pronounced acoustic experience, while the Semi Mute caters to those who prefer a tranquil typing environment. 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 Semi Mute Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the KTT Semi Mute switches utilize distinct housing materials that influence their sound profiles in different ways. The Jelly features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its softer plastic composition. This absorbent quality allows for a deeper, fuller sound that tends to produce a duller and rounder audio experience when typing. In contrast, the Semi Mute employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enables a more resonant sound, leading to a brighter auditory feedback that many users might find appealing, especially in environments where clarity is vital.

While the Jelly's use of nylon across both housings forms a cohesive sound experience, the Semi Mute's dual polycarbonate construction shapes a more pronounced difference between the typing and releasing actions of the keystroke. The nylon material not only provides a muted auditory response but also enriches the tactile sensation associated with each press. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute's design allows for enhanced responsiveness and a clearer audio feedback during release, thanks to the rigid properties of polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches are designed for tactile feedback, the sound signature produced during usage diverges significantly due to the material differences.

Despite their contrasting materials, it's noteworthy that both switches can achieve satisfying typing results, albeit through different sound profiles. Users looking for a more subdued and understated experience might gravitate toward the HMX Jelly, appreciating its full-bodied sound. On the other hand, those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback, especially under RGB lighting conditions, are likely to favor the KTT Semi Mute. Ultimately, both switches excel in delivering enjoyable experiences, contingent on the user's preferences for sound and tactile feel; the underlying differences in materials largely shape these experiences while still allowing for an effective typing feel.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for varied typing preferences. The Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which facilitates longer typing sessions and a less strenuous experience, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. Conversely, the Semi Mute switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, contributing to a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Overall, the Jelly switch is the lighter option, whereas the Semi Mute offers a heavier experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal comfort and typing style preferences.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Semi Mute switch. For users who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience, the Jelly may be a more appealing choice due to its reduced travel distance, which can lead to faster actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may gravitate towards the Semi Mute switch, which provides that deeper depth with its 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the distinction in travel distances highlights the different preferences that users may have regarding tactile feedback and response times.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky tone that provides a satisfying auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is engineered for complete silence, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet environment. While the Jelly offers a richer, deeper sound, the Semi Mute aims for a clean, muted experience that minimizes any noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This significant difference means that users looking for auditory feedback may prefer the Jelly, whereas those who need a distraction-free workspace will find the Semi Mute’s silent operation more appealing.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly's smoothness is attributed to its excellent factory lubrication and lightweight design, resulting in a fluid typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute switches are described as providing a buttery feel, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke. Their milder characteristics combine to offer a gentle typing sensation that suits a wide range of users, making the experience comfortable and approachable. While the Jelly focuses on providing a smooth actuation, the Semi Mute balances comfort with advanced dampening technology for a consistently gratifying touch.

In summary, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Semi Mute linear switches cater to different user preferences through their distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Jelly switch appeals to those who enjoy a deeper, engaging sound and a very smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Semi Mute is perfect for users who prioritize complete silence and a gentle, buttery feel during their typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, leaving users to decide whether auditory richness or absolute quietude is more important for their typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and enjoy the unique, deep thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly is an excellent choice, providing an enjoyable experience thanks to its low actuation force and smooth keystrokes. This makes it particularly appealing for casual typing or gaming, where you might appreciate the tactile feedback and the fun auditory aspect. On the other hand, if you require a completely silent operation without compromising on comfort, particularly in noise-sensitive environments like shared living spaces or late-night work sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switch is the way to go. With its slightly higher bottom out force, you’ll still get a satisfying, buttery feel without any sound distraction, making it suitable for focused tasks where quietude is crucial. In selecting between these two, align your choice with your sound preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more