TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the TTC Bluish White and HMX Deep Navy each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bluish White switches are celebrated for their tactile feedback, delivering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate; their snappy sound profile and subtle but well-defined actuation make them ideal for those who enjoy a tactile sensation with each keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Deep Navy switches present a smooth, linear alternative, crafted with full nylon construction and featuring a Ly stem that ensures effortlessly seamless typing. Their rich, sharp sound profile provides a different auditory experience, favoring silence and fluidity over tactile bumps. Ultimately, whether you prefer the feedback of the Bluish Whites or the smooth elegance of the Deep Navy, each switch has distinct advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the HMX Deep Navy switches exhibit differing properties in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles during use. The Bluish White switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate is also an advantage for users who want to maximize RGB lighting effects, as it allows light to pass through efficiently. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound profile that is rounder and less pronounced when compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate. Therefore, while decorators looking for visual effects and a crisper sound might prefer the Bluish White, those seeking warmth and depth in sound may lean toward the Deep Navy.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Deep Navy switches employ nylon, aligning their acoustic characteristics in this aspect of design. As such, this commonality provides a more muted sound profile when the switches are bottomed out, regardless of the differences in top housing materials. With nylon being a classic switch housing material known for its ability to absorb sound, both switches will elicit that characteristic deeper and fuller sound while being pressed at the bottom. Consequently, users of both switches can expect similar outcomes once the key is fully depressed, thus enhancing their typing experience.
Cumulatively, the choice of housing materials influences the overall acoustic experience of both switches, making them distinct yet somewhat complementary due to their common nylon bottom housing. While the top housings diverge significantly—one promoting a crisp sound due to polycarbonate and the other offering a softer resonance through nylon—the shared bottom housing results in a unified foundation that balances their differing attributes. Ultimately, the TTC Bluish White is likely best suited for the user who values sharpness and visual aesthetics, while the HMX Deep Navy caters to those who appreciate a warmer typing experience with deeper sound quality.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged use in typing or gaming. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Deep Navy features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Although these forces are quite similar, the Deep Navy switch is marginally lighter in both categories, providing an even easier keystroke feel. Users seeking a lighter switch may prefer the HMX Deep Navy for its lower actuation and bottom out forces, leading to a less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the TTC Bluish White, which offers a slightly heavier feel. Overall, regardless of their differences, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, especially for users who lean towards lighter actuation forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press the Bluish White switch, it travels a smidge shorter compared to the Deep Navy. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Bluish White would be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance overall responsiveness. On the other hand, if a more pronounced key feel is your preference, the Deep Navy, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper press that some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the choice between them can significantly affect the typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 profile, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch stands out with its low-pitched, more bass-heavy quality, which is characterized by a snappy sound. This makes for a satisfying auditory experience when typing, offering a mellow tone that is less likely to be jarring in shared environments. Meanwhile, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch does not have a specified sound profile provided, but it is noted to be crafted with a full nylon construction, which typically contributes to a rich and sharp sound quality. However, without specific details, it's difficult to gauge how it compares in acoustic characteristics to the Bluish White.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a delightful typing experience thanks to its combination of buttery smoothness and mild resistance. The stepped tactile structure provides a two-stage feel that is approachable for many typists. Its subtle and polished characteristics contribute to an overall gentle typing sensation, making it suitable for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. The HMX Deep Navy switch, on the other hand, lacks detailed descriptors related to feel, but as a linear switch, it likely offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without the notable tactile feedback found in the Bluish Whites.
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a satisfying auditory experience, the TTC Bluish White offers a charming low-pitched sound along with a meticulously designed tactile feel. The HMX Deep Navy's auditory profile remains less defined, though its construction suggests a potentially pleasing sound. The feel of the Bluish White is characterized by its buttery smoothness and subtle resistance, while the Deep Navy likely emphasizes linear smoothness with no tactile bump. Ultimately, if you prioritize a tactile response and sound, the Bluish White may be your go-to, while the Deep Navy could be a good choice if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you desire a typing experience that is characterized by a satisfying tactile bump and snappy, low-pitched sound, the Bluish White switch would be an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force paired with its buttery, mild, and subtle qualities offers an engaging yet approachable experience, making it ideal for both casual typing and more intensive writing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother typing experience and prefer a more linear feel with a rich and sharp sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch is your go-to option. With a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a construction that emphasizes silky smoothness, the Deep Navy is perfect for users who prioritize fluid key presses and noise sensitivity, particularly in environments where quieter operation is preferred. Both switches present unique advantages, so consider your typing style, the environments in which you typically use your keyboard, and your sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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