KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its well-balanced tactile response, offering a considerable yet unobtrusive feedback that enhances typing accuracy without distraction. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a subtle touch with each key press, making it favorable for both typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy, a linear switch, is known for its smooth keystrokes and a rich sound profile, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. With its full nylon construction and Ly stem, the Deep Navy appeals to users who favor a quieter, fluid motion, particularly suited for extensive typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches bring unique features to the table, they cater to different preferences—whether you relish a tactile sensation or prefer smooth linearity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Deep Navy switches, the primary distinction lies in the top housing material, with the Ash Gray featuring a polycarbonate top and the Deep Navy incorporating nylon. Polycarbonate boasts a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer structure, allowing for bright, crisp acoustic characteristics that enhance the expression of RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Deep Navy lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile; the softness of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a mellower auditory experience. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the different materials in the top housings significantly influence their overall sonic properties, leading to contrasting experiences when typing.
Both the Ash Gray and Deep Navy switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a consistency in the deeper, fuller sound profile that this material provides. With neither switch being dictated by a rigid structure, the nylon bottom housing allows for sound absorption that results in a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback. Regardless of the top housing differences, users can expect a similar performance when typing - the characteristics brought on by the nylon bottom housing will dominate the overall feel and sound when bottoming out during usage. Hence, while the top housing variations shape their individual identities, the shared nylon bottom ensures a cohesive user experience regarding the tactile and audible feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates a unique interplay that impacts the performance of the KTT Ash Gray and HMX Deep Navy switches. When pressing down on these switches, the nylon bottom housing will significantly influence the bottom-out sensation, while the distinct top housing materials will dictate the sound experienced upon release. Therefore, those desiring a bright, vibrant sound profile may gravitate towards the Ash Gray with its polycarbonate top, while users seeking a deeper, warmer auditory response may prefer the HMX Deep Navy’s nylon top. Collectively, they showcase how the interplay of housing materials contributes to the nuanced experience of mechanical keyboards, emphasizing the importance of material choice in defining user engagement.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams but a notably lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This results in the Deep Navy being the lighter option overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience suitable for extended use, like work or long gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Ash Gray’s heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Therefore, while the actuation forces are comparable, the overall typing feel is quite different due to the contrasting bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we find a slight difference in their travel distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Deep Navy measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option, albeit by a mere 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Ash Gray's slightly shorter travel distance may offer a marginal advantage in terms of responsiveness. On the other hand, the Deep Navy's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile feedback experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value a faster response or a fuller typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch presents a neutral auditory profile that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound level. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether you are at home or in a workplace setting, ensuring that it won’t disrupt your surroundings while still providing a satisfying keystroke experience. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. This switch tends to provide a more pronounced auditory feedback with each strike, appealing to users who enjoy a more audible typing experience. It's essential to remember that the overall sound can also vary substantially depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Feel-wise, the Ash Gray switch is designed for an easy-to-press experience, offering gentle resistance that demands minimal force for actuation. This results in a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience, particularly beneficial during extensive typing sessions. Its mild nature contributes to an approachable sensation, appealing to both novices and experienced typists. The Deep Navy switch, while providing silky smoothness with each keystroke, does not have a specified tactile feedback profile, making its feel less defined in comparison to the Ash Gray.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch delivers a balanced and mild tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users seeking comfort and versatility. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a pronounced sound with smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who value auditory feedback in their typing experience. Together, these switches showcase the diverse qualities mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can explore, catering to a wide array of preferences and requirements in typing dynamics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value tactile feedback that strikes a balance between noticeable and subtle, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. This switch’s medium-light resistance of 53 grams allows for effortless typing while still providing a satisfying feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions whether you’re at work or gaming. Additionally, its neutral sound profile ensures it won’t be overly disruptive, making it versatile enough for both quiet environments and more bustling settings. On the other hand, if you seek a light, smooth experience with a sharper auditory feedback, the HMX Deep Navy is designed to cater to your needs. With a light bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches deliver a silky smooth feel and a robust sound profile, making them particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, assess your desired typing experience—whether you lean towards tactile engagement or prefer linear smoothness and auditory delight—to guide your choice between these two outstanding switches.
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