HMX Jelly vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Jelly, a linear switch recognized for its low-pitched and deep thocky sound signature, offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lube and lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a satisfying acoustic profile along with a light touch. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry boasts an attractive design with its pink and clear housings, and is praised for its silky-smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. This switch caters to users seeking a frictionless typing experience with a stylish aesthetic. While both switches are linear and designed for a seamless feel, their distinct characteristics cater to different preferences. 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 Strawberry Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the KTT Strawberry switches showcase a distinct contrast in their housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jelly's nylon top housing is characterized by its softer nature, which tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This absorption contributes to a more muted, rounded sound compared to harder materials like polycarbonate. Conversely, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper, crisper sound. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's rigidity, leading to a more resonant profile that likely enhances the clarity of keystrokes, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucent properties.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches reveal contrasting acoustic behaviors. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, perpetuating its signature deeper sound profile. This results in a cohesive auditory experience, as both the top and bottom housings contribute to a duller, rounder sound. In sharp contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing introduces a higher-pitched and cleaner sound profile. This material's stiffness translates to a more pronounced and resonant bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall auditory crispness when typing.

Given these differences, the overall sound and feel of each switch reflects the combined qualities of their respective materials. With the Jelly's nylon components working together to create a consistent, warmer acoustic signature, users can expect a more subdued typing experience. Contrarily, the KTT Strawberry’s dual polycarbonate construction is likely to deliver a zippier, more vibrant auditory sensation. However, if there were a scenario where both switches utilized the same material in their top and bottom configurations, like polycarbonate, users would experience a similar, bright sound profile, highlighting the importance of material choices in crafting the tactile and auditory feedback of mechanical switches.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Jelly switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Strawberry switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have comparable actuation forces, the Strawberry's heavier bottom out improves tactile feedback for users seeking a firmer push. Therefore, for lightness, the HMX Jelly is the preferable option, while the KTT Strawberry offers a heftier option for those who desire a more robust sensation when typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the Jelly measures 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the preference trends in switch design: the Jelly's shorter distance may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, while the Strawberry's longer distance could cater to those who favor a more substantial key press that provides a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you lean towards faster reactions and a snappier feel, the HMX Jelly is the better option; however, for a more pronounced key press, the KTT Strawberry stands as the superior choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that resonates pleasantly when typed on. This deeper tone often creates a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch also exhibits a low-pitched quality, which is often described as having a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched alternatives. This sound profile suggests that both switches might appeal to users who prefer a rich auditory experience, though the Jelly's thocky resonance may offer a more pronounced acoustic character.

When examining the feel of these switches, the HMX Jelly switch is lauded for its super smooth actuation, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight design that requires only 42g of actuation force. This setup makes for a pleasant typing experience, though specific descriptors are not provided. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is distinguished by its exceptionally smooth, frictionless, and buttery typing experience. Users report a silky feel during key presses, which is complemented by a polished action. The overall perception is that while both switches deliver a high level of smoothness, the Strawberry takes it a step further with its pronounced silky and buttery qualities.

In summary, both the HMX Jelly and KTT Strawberry linear switches exhibit low-pitched sound profiles, making them appealing to users who enjoy more oriented auditory feedback while typing. In terms of feel, while the Jelly offers a smooth experience thanks to quality lubrication, the Strawberry excels with its frictionless and buttery attributes, likely making it feel even more refined to users. For those looking for smoothness in a linear switch, both options present solid choices, but the updated tactile experience offered by the Strawberry may cater more effectively to those who value enhanced typing comfort and ease.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight switch that demands little effort for actuation and offers a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, the HMX Jelly might be the right fit for you, especially if you're looking for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Its 42g actuation force makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize quick responsiveness, whether for gaming or rapid typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a slightly heavier switch that provides a more pronounced tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, you may be inclined towards the KTT Strawberry. With its frictionless, silky, and polished feel, the Strawberry is designed for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke while still enjoying smooth actuation. Both switches excel in their own ways, so consider what aspects matter most to you in order to elevate your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more