HMX Jelly vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and TTC Silent Red offer distinct attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. With a lightweight actuation force of just 42g and a remarkably smooth feel thanks to its excellent factory lube, the Jelly is ideal for users seeking a tactile experience without too much resistance. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes serenity in its design, featuring a muted sound profile that makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared living spaces. Users will enjoy a smooth and consistent keystroke from top to bottom, complemented by a padded bottom-out feel that enhances comfort during long typing sessions. While the Jelly leans towards a more pronounced auditory experience, the Silent Red excels in quiet functionality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and TTC Silent Red switches exemplify the impact that housing materials have on sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The HMX Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic inherently absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. Due to the rigidity of polycarbonate, the acoustics generated when typing on these switches are more pronounced and have a heightened clarity. Thus, while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, the Jelly leans towards a warm and subdued sound, whereas the Silent Red caters to those preferring a more defined auditory feedback.

Examining the bottom housings, both the HMX Jelly and TTC Silent Red employ nylon material, which brings a consistent characteristic across both switches. Nylon, as described, creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall deep tone experienced during key presses. Since the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback of a key, both switches can achieve similar sensory experiences despite the differences in their top housings. Users of both switches will appreciate the smooth interaction attributed to the nylon composition in the bottom housing, leading to a satisfying keystroke regardless of the top material used.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the distinct top and bottom housing materials of the Jelly and Silent Red switches create unique typing experiences that can cater to differing preferences. The Jelly’s nylon top presents a more muted acoustic, while its nylon bottom ensures a similarly deep sound during key presses. Meanwhile, the Silent Red’s polycarbonate top introduces a more resonant clarity, complemented by the nylon bottom's subdued signature. Therefore, consumers can align their choice with their auditory and tactile preferences, whether seeking the warmth of the Jelly or the bright clarity of the Silent Red, knowing that both utilize nylon for their bases to provide a harmonized foundation in both models.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The HMX Jelly features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced keystroke feel. This difference means that users who favor a light switch will find the Jelly more comfortable for long-term use, while those who lean towards a heavier touch may prefer the Silent Red. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter option, whereas the Silent Red is considered medium-heavy, which may influence individual preferences based on typing or gaming habits.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Jelly switch measures 3.8 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the HMX Jelly offers a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a deeper switch that provides a hearty depth. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red, with its 3.7 mm distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for either a more pronounced travel or a swiftly responsive action, with the Jelly providing the longer travel distance and the Silent Red being the shorter option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This thocky profile is a result of its unique design and construction, creating a sound signature that resonates with depth. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed for discretion, featuring a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Red an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as offices or shared living spaces. Thus, while both switches aim for a smooth acoustic experience, the Jelly's deeper sound and the Silent Red's muted tones serve different preferences and environments.

In terms of feel, the Jelly switch boasts an exceptionally smooth keystroke that is amplified by its careful factory lubrication, providing a notably lightweight actuation force of 42g. This makes it a pleasure for fast typists who appreciate rapid, tactile feedback without resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Red is described as buttery, polished, and mild, delivering a refined keystroke experience. The smoothness and consistency from top to bottom, combined with a padded bottom-out feel, enhance the overall typing comfort. Both switches provide a seamless typing experience but cater to slightly different tactile preferences; the Jelly leans towards a lightweight, rapid response, while the Silent Red focuses on comfort and smoothness throughout the keystroke.

Overall, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a rich, thocky sound and a super smooth feel, making it perfect for those who enjoy an engaging acoustic experience during typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red provides a subdued but equally smooth typing experience, emphasizing noise reduction and comfort. If you're looking for a keyboard that supports a more pronounced auditory signature, the Jelly would likely be your go-to switch. However, if you're in an environment where quietness is crucial, the Silent Red stands as an excellent choice. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, the decision between these two could greatly influence your typing satisfaction, where both promises a smooth experience but with differing acoustic profiles.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your specific needs and typing environment. If you prefer a lightweight feel with a low actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for quicker key presses and a more effortless typing experience, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice. Its thocky sound profile adds a unique auditory dimension, which may appeal to you if you enjoy more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter setting—like an office or a shared living space—where minimizing noise is a priority, the TTC Silent Red switch would likely be more beneficial. With a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a more substantial typing experience that can enhance accuracy without distracting others around you. Furthermore, its muted sound signature and buttery feel make it suitable for those who want a smooth and comfortable typing experience without any disruptive noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should align with your comfort preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more