KTT Ash Gray vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray, a tactile switch, offers a finely-tuned tactile response that strikes a balance between being substantial without being overwhelming. This makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a light touch and a crisp actuation that provides just the right amount of feedback to elevate their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EVA, a linear switch, is designed for those who relish a smooth keystroke with a resonant sound signature, reminiscent of the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01. While the EVA switch offers a seamless, uninterrupted feel as you type, which is favored by gamers and speed typists alike, the Ash Gray encourages a more deliberate and tactile engagement with every keypress. Both switches have their unique charms and fulfill specific typing needs—whether you prioritize feedback or fluidity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the HMX EVA differ notably in their choice of materials for their top housings, with the Ash Gray utilizing polycarbonate and the EVA adopting nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray is designed to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it particularly suited for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing in the HMX EVA leads to a deeper and fuller sound. The inherently softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, contributing to a rounder and less harsh auditory experience. As a result, while the Ash Gray emphasizes brightness and clarity, the EVA focuses on warmth and depth in sound.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, creating a commonality that leads to similar sound profiles and typing experiences for both models. The nylon's ability to absorb sound properties results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is consistent across both switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users of either the KTT Ash Gray or HMX EVA will encounter a similar tactile sensation upon actuation. This shared materiality in the bottom housing ensures that despite the variations in top housing materials, the impact on feel and sound is unified, providing a complementary auditory experience.
In essence, while the KTT Ash Gray and HMX EVA exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, they harmonize in their bottom housing composition. The polycarbonate of the Ash Gray offers clarity and is particularly effective for RGB lighting, whereas the nylon of the EVA fosters warmth and deep resonance. Nevertheless, both switches provide a similar foundational typing sound and feel through the use of nylon in the bottom housing. This duality allows for varied experiences depending on the key pressed, with the top housing influencing the release sound, while the bottom housing maintains a consistent auditory and tactile quality. Ultimately, users can find unique yet balanced characteristics in both switches, catering to diverse preferences in mechanical keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, we can see notable differences. The Ash Gray has a lower actuation force of 38 grams compared to the EVA's 42 grams, making the Ash Gray the lighter option. However, the bottom out forces differ as well; the Ash Gray's bottom out force is 53 grams, which is heavier than the EVA's 48 grams. This means that while the Ash Gray provides a lighter touch when initiating a keystroke, it requires more force to fully depress the key compared to the EVA. Users who prefer a lighter switch might gravitate toward the Ash Gray for prolonged typing sessions, while those who enjoy the feel of a stronger push might find the EVA more suited to their preferences, particularly due to its lighter bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer different experiences depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out sensations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, the Ash Gray measures 3.5 mm while the EVA comes in slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm means that the EVA switch has a marginally deeper travel, providing a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Ash Gray. While both switches fall within a similar range, with both being shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance that many users are accustomed to, the Ash Gray’s shorter distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel might favor the HMX EVA linear switch due to its longer travel distance. Overall, if you value responsiveness, the Ash Gray is the better choice, whereas the EVA caters to those who appreciate depth in their keystrokes.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch delivers a neutral audio experience, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound profile that is neither too harsh nor too soft. This balanced sound signature makes it versatile, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX EVA linear switch are not detailed, leading to a level of uncertainty about how it compares. However, the EVA’s design suggests it might possess a resonant quality that provides a distinct auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience, but without definitive descriptors, a direct comparison remains elusive.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch excels with its easy-to-press design and mild characteristics. The gentle resistance means that users can type effortlessly, significantly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged sessions. This makes it an approachable switch for typists of all skill levels, combining a tactile feedback that is both substantial yet unobtrusive. Without specific descriptors for the feel of the EVA, it’s challenging to draw conclusions about its typing dynamics. The EVA switch is noted for its silky smooth type feel, which might suggest a premium, frictionless experience, but without more details, we cannot definitively compare it to the Ash Gray’s well-defined characteristics.
In summary, while the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is recognized for its versatile sound profile and comfortable, approachable feel, the HMX EVA linear switch remains a bit of a mystery. The differences lie in the solid attributes of the Ash Gray and the intriguing, albeit unspecified, qualities of the EVA. Typists seeking a well-rounded, tactile experience will find satisfaction with the Ash Gray, but those curious about the EVA will have to explore it further to uncover its true potential.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios will play a pivotal role. If you favor a tactile experience that provides clear feedback without overwhelming you, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light 53-gram bottom out force strikes a balance, making it suitable for both casual and extended typing sessions, as the easy-to-press nature reduces finger fatigue. This switch is particularly well-suited for environments where a neutral sound profile is preferred, allowing you to use it in both home and work settings without drawing attention. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter feel and smooth actuation paired with a unique aesthetic inspired by anime, the HMX EVA linear switch would be the way to go. With its 48-gram bottom out force, the EVA allows for rapid keystrokes without much effort, making it a good fit for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound neutrality with the Ash Gray, or whether you prefer the smoothness and lighter actuation of the HMX EVA.
Mentioned in this article
