HMX 1989 vs. KTT Cream Yellow

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two popular linear switches that stand out are the HMX 1989 and the KTT Cream Yellow. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a muted yet satisfying auditory response during their typing or gaming sessions. Its design focuses on providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, ideal for those who prefer less tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch offers a different sensation by delivering a distinctively clacky sound. This switch is characterized by its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which together enhance the resonant audio feedback and create a uniquely bouncy typing feel thanks to its lengthened spring. While the HMX 1989 may appeal to users seeking depth and subtlety, the Cream Yellow caters to those who enjoy a more vibrant and engaging auditory cue. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX 1989 Linear

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX 1989 and the KTT Cream Yellow switches share a remarkable similarity in their construction, particularly in the choice of materials used for their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for users who strive for an articulated typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches exceptionally suitable for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination that highlights the beauty of the key switches.

While the top housings of both the HMX 1989 and the KTT Cream Yellow are identical in material, they also feature nylon for their bottom housing. This choice is significant because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The contrasting properties of the nylon bottom housing complement the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, users can expect a unique auditory experience where the softness of nylon mitigates and enriches the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate, ultimately resulting in a well-rounded typing experience across both switches.

In essence, both the HMX 1989 and KTT Cream Yellow switches are designed to capitalize on the unique strengths of their respective materials. The polycarbonate top housing provides a bright and clear sound that is amplified when RGB lighting is used, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller, more resonant auditory experience. Since they share the same materials, users can anticipate similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics. The duality of sound profiles created by the combination of stiffness from the polycarbonate and softness from the nylon attests to the ingenuity in the design of both switches, catering to a variety of preferences among typists and gamers alike.

Weight

When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varied user preferences. The HMX 1989 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a suitable option for users who favor longer typing sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. While both switches have a smooth linear response, the HMX 1989 is classified as medium-light, providing a gentler touch than the medium-weight KTT Cream Yellow. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter key feel will gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while those seeking a firmer resistance should choose the KTT Cream Yellow for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference: the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow measures a shorter 3.5 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive feel, the KTT Cream Yellow may be the better choice, as it offers a quicker actuation for faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the HMX 1989 due to its longer travel distance, which provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, while both switches are designed for different preferences, the KTT Cream Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, delivers a faster response, while the HMX 1989 offers a traditional feel with its longer travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its deep and thocky quality, which provides a rich auditory experience reminiscent of an echoing thump when keys are pressed. This sound profile appeals to those who enjoy a more subdued and bass-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch delivers a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and snappy acoustic feedback. The clackiness is produced by a combination of a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, resulting in crisp, bright, and percussive sounds with each keystroke. While both switches produce enjoyable audio experiences, their sound qualities cater to different preferences—one favoring a deep thock and the other embracing a more vibrant clack.

In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 offers a more traditional linear experience, focusing on a smooth keypress without significant tactile bumps, allowing for uninterrupted typing. This switch makes for a consistent travel distance with minimal resistance throughout the keypress. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is designed to provide a unique bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like or elastic feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. The lively feel of the Cream Yellow, aided by its lengthened spring, promotes a rebound effect, making typing feel more dynamic and engaging. While the 1989 emphasizes a smooth linearity, the Cream Yellow’s bounciness adds a more interactive element to each keystroke.

In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and the KTT Cream Yellow switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to varied preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The 1989 is ideal for those who appreciate a deep, thocky sound and a smooth, uninterrupted typing sensation, while the Cream Yellow appeals to those who enjoy a clacky sound along with a bouncy, lively feel. Depending on your preferred auditory and tactile experiences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing environment, all while highlighting the importance of external factors like your keyboard's build and keycap materials in shaping the overall experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother and slightly lighter key feel, the HMX 1989 might be your go-to, especially for long typing sessions where fatigue can become a concern. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams allows for comfortable, prolonged use while still providing a satisfying thocky sensation that many gamers and typists find appealing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback with a lively typing experience, the KTT Cream Yellow would be an excellent choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, coupled with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel, this switch can enhance your typing experience, making it more engaging—especially if you enjoy the rhythmic feedback while typing or gaming. In the end, consider what aspects matter most to you: the tactile depth and ease of the HMX 1989 or the lively sound and feedback of the Cream Yellow, and you'll find the right switch that meets your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX 1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more