HMX Jelly vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Jelly and the TTC Silent Brown can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Jelly stands out with its linear design, delivering an exceptionally smooth keystroke accompanied by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound profile. With an actuation force of just 42g, these switches provide a lightweight feel, making them ideal for fast typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches cater to those who appreciate a tactile sensation with their light-to-medium resistance and rounded bump, creating a comfortable typing experience while maintaining a muted sound that won't disturb those around you. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Jelly being a favorite for speed and smoothness, and the Silent Brown appealing to those who enjoy that tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the TTC Silent Brown switches, a distinct contrast is evident in their top housings. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that many typists find appealing for quieter environments. In contrast, the Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing which, being a stiffer plastic, generates a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This notable difference in materiality directly influences the acoustic characteristics of each switch, creating divergent sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which results in a similar performance characteristic. As both the HMX Jelly and the TTC Silent Brown feature a nylon bottom housing, they share the same ability to absorb sound, thereby contributing to the deeper, fuller auditory profile that typists often seek. This commonality ensures that while the top housings may deliver opposing sound qualities, the bottom housings bring a harmonious balance to the typist's experience. Therefore, despite the differences in the top constructions, both switches will demonstrate a similar acoustic essence when it comes to sound produced during key presses, thanks to their shared nylon bottom material.

Overall, while the HMX Jelly and TTC Silent Brown switches exhibit contrasting top housing materials that affect their sound output, they are united by their identical nylon bottom housing. The result of this combination is a nuanced typing experience where the unique characteristics of each upper housing material can be distinctly felt and heard, while the shared lower housing maintains a consistent auditory foundation. Typists can expect to appreciate the robust fullness from the nylon bottom combined with the differentiated sound profiles generated by the unique top housing materials, leading to an engaging experience catered to individual preferences for sound and tactility.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while the Jelly switch provides a more effortless typing experience with less resistance, the Silent Brown offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort would likely opt for the HMX Jelly, while those desiring a firmer response may choose the TTC Silent Brown. Overall, the Jelly switch is the lighter option, whereas the Silent Brown is heavier.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning they will provide a similar keystroke experience when pressed. Since the distance from the top of the switch to the bottom is the same for both, users can expect comparable actuation feel and response when utilizing these switches. In this case, neither switch is shorter or longer; both deliver the same travel distance, resulting in an equivalent performance during typing or gaming scenarios.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch produces a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that delivers a punchy auditory feedback. This auditory experience is accentuated by its excellent factory lubrication, which contributes to a smooth and enjoyable sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch features a muted sound profile, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This creates a softer and quieter typing experience, making it suitable for quieter environments, where noise reduction is a priority.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly switch is renowned for its super smooth actuation, attributed to its lightweight design and factory lube. The 42g actuation force combined with its linear nature means there are no tactile bumps or resistance during the key press, resulting in an effortless typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown offers a distinct feel with its rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback. Described as buttery and mild, this switch facilitates a smooth and gentle typing experience while feeling polished, a feature that enhances the overall typing sensation and reduces friction during use.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly linear switch emphasizes a deep sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch focuses on sound dampening and a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches have unique qualities catered to different preferences—one prioritizing noise and seamlessness, while the other balances tactile feedback with noise moderation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, each switch offers an enjoyable typing experience, though differences in auditory feedback and tactile sensation will guide you in making your choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch largely depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a smooth keypress and low actuation force, the Jelly switch would be an excellent fit for you, especially if you enjoy a deeper, thocky sound profile. Its lightweight feel makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback combined with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Silent Brown switch will likely serve you better. Its rounded tactile bump and muted sound profile provide a satisfying experience, perfect for those who type often and appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. In essence, choose the Jelly switch for a light, linear experience with an emphasis on sound dampening, and the Silent Brown for a balanced, tactile feel that caters perfectly to a variety of typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more