HMX Jelly vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and the TTC Yunhai each offer distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound signature and lightweight actuation force of just 42g, providing a smooth keypress experience complemented by its excellent factory lubrication. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a satisfying audio feedback and a nimble typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is designed to deliver a unique typing experience characterized by its deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, making it especially appealing to typists who favor a softer, effortless touch while typing. While both are linear switches, their sound profiles and tactile feedback create different vibes on the keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the TTC Yunhai, it's important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is widely recognized as a classic material for switch housings due to its specific acoustic properties. Both switches share similar configurations which suggest that users can expect a comparable typing experience. Both the HMX Jelly and the TTC Yunhai, thanks to their nylon construction, are likely to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by softer, rounder acoustic responses. This consistency in material leads to a duller, cushioned sound when typing, which many enthusiasts find appealing.
Diving deeper into the mechanics of these switches, the nylon material plays a crucial role in the overall experience of typing on these keyboards. The impact of sound absorption and resonance is prevalent in both models, as nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both switches will yield a similar bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, contributing to a pleasant tactile experience. The shared material characteristics ensure that both the Jelly and Yunhai will resonate similarly under user interaction, further solidifying the notion that they will deliver comparable auditory feedback.
However, it is essential to recognize that even with identical materials, nuances in design and engineering can introduce slight variations in feel and sound profile. For instance, if either switch had a different mechanism, such as the spring tension or stem design, the overall typing experience might vary despite both employing nylon housings. Nevertheless, the fundamental acoustic properties of nylon are retained in both models, ensuring a sound profile that is largely equivalent. This means that if users are accustomed to one of these switches, transitioning to the other should yield a familiar performance, providing a seamless experience without dramatic differences in sound or feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, which makes them equally light and well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, their bottom out forces differ: the Jelly switch bottoms out at 48 grams, whereas the Yunhai switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches offer a light typing experience, the Yunhai switch provides a marginally firmer feel when pressed all the way down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile response. Ultimately, if you're seeking a lighter feel for comfort during long use, both switches are excellent options, but if you appreciate a little more resistance at the bottom, the Yunhai is the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see a slight variation in their design. The HMX Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, the Jelly might be more appealing due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: those who enjoy a more substantial depth may lean towards the Jelly, while those who prefer a more immediate tactile feedback might opt for the Yunhai.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that can enhance the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. This thocky quality can create an immersive atmosphere, particularly when used on a well-crafted keyboard. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch also boasts a deep, rounded sound profile. While both switches share a deep sound characteristic, the Jelly's thockiness may offer a slightly more resonant experience compared to the Yunhai's smoother, less pronounced acoustics. It’s important to note that the perception of sound in mechanical keyboards can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel, the HMX Jelly switch stands out for its super smooth operation, attributed to excellent factory lubrication, combined with a lightweight 42g actuation force. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a seamless and fluid typing experience. The TTC Yunhai switch, on the other hand, emphasizes its incredibly light actuation force as well, which contributes to a gentle and effortless typing experience. While both switches offer a lightweight feel, the Jelly’s smoothness, enhanced by its lubrication, might provide a more refined tactile sensation than the Yunhai, which is tailored more for easy keystrokes without any additional friction.
Overall, both the HMX Jelly and TTC Yunhai linear switches deliver compelling sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jelly offers a notable thocky sound and a super smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate an engaging auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the Yunhai focuses on a rounded sound profile and an effortless typing experience, appealing to those who favor subtler feedback. While each switch has its unique attributes, both can provide a satisfying experience for typists seeking lightweight, linear sensations, making either a suitable choice depending on personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a low-pitched, thocky sound signature and are looking for a super smooth typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force of 42g, the Jelly switch may be the perfect fit for your needs. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a soft touch and an auditory experience that enhances the enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you value a deeper, rounded sound profile and a gentle, effortless feel, the Yunhai, with its actuation force of 50g, could be the better option for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists seeking a balance between tactile feedback and a serene audio experience. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and aesthetic preferences to make an informed decision that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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