KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Deep Navy present distinct options that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike. The KTT Cream Yellow is celebrated for its lively and dynamic feel, characterized by a distinctly clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. This switch offers a bouncy typing experience that can enhance the tactile feedback for users who enjoy an engaging auditory response. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy focuses on a smoother, more refined keystroke, produced by its full nylon construction and Ly stem, delivering a rich and sharp sound profile. While the Cream Yellow appeals to those seeking a playful and resonant typing journey, the Deep Navy attracts users who prefer silky smoothness and a solid build. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Deep Navy, significant differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes polycarbonate, a material recognized for its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a clearer and more resonant sound profile when typing. This stiffness allows for a sharper and higher-pitched sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy a crisper auditory experience, especially with RGB lighting enhancing the visual aspect through the clear housing. In contrast, the Deep Navy employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for its softer, more absorbent characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction in material creates a noticeable difference in how the two switches sound during use; the Cream Yellow projects a sharper tone, while the Deep Navy offers a rounder auditory feel.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, establishing a common ground in their sound production capabilities. With nylon's innate ability to absorb sound, both the Cream Yellow and Deep Navy deliver a rich, deeper sound profile through their bottom housings. This shared material allows for a consistent sound experience when pressing down on the keys since both switches will exhibit the duller, rounder sound that nylon provides at the bottom. In essence, while their top housings produce contrasting auditory characteristics, the incorporation of nylon in both switches' bottom materials means that the bottom-out experience will be similar across both models, resulting in a satisfying typing feel.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials in the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Deep Navy leads to a unique yet complementary sound profile for each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Cream Yellow enhances clarity and brightness, whereas the nylon top of the Deep Navy contributes to a softer, more muted tone. Despite their differences, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings solidifies the depth and fullness in sound, particularly when bottoming out. This interplay of materials highlights how variations in switch housing can affect the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose between a sharper or rounder sound while still enjoying a harmonious bottoming-out effect.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge, catering to varying user preferences. The Cream Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a medium feel that appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy is lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prioritize comfort during prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Thus, the Cream Yellow would be ideal for individuals seeking a stronger push feel, while the Deep Navy caters to those favoring a softer touch. Overall, the KTT Cream Yellow is the heavier switch, while the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter option, providing distinct tactile experiences based on their respective force characteristics.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear 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 the Cream Yellow is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses for faster response times. Conversely, the deeper 3.6 mm travel distance of the Deep Navy switch offers a more pronounced and hearty sensation when typing, which can be preferable for users who appreciate a clearer bottom-out experience. Although both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Deep Navy switch is better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, while the Cream Yellow is ideal for those looking for a snappier and more agile feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is characterized by its distinctively clacky audio profile. This means that when you press the keys, expect a sharp and crisp sound that is both bright and percussive, creating a lively typing experience. The unique design elements, such as its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, contribute to this pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, while the specifics of the Deep Navy switch’s sound profile aren’t delineated, it is noted to have a rich, sharp sound, likely influenced by its full nylon construction. However, the exact acoustic qualities of the Deep Navy might differ, providing a subtler or smoother tone compared to the aggressive clackiness of the Cream Yellow.

In terms of feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its bouncy typing sensation, thanks to its lengthened spring that adds a lively rebound to each keystroke. This creates an engaging and dynamic feeling when typing, making it a fun option for users who enjoy a more energetic tactile experience. The Deep Navy switches appear to offer a silky smooth experience with every keystroke, indicating a more fluidity-focused feel compared to the bounciness of the Cream Yellow. This smoothness can enhance typing efficiency, but it lacks the springy feedback that many typists might seek from a bouncier switch.

Overall, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX Deep Navy linear switches present unique qualities that can cater to different preferences among typists. The Cream Yellow excels in providing a sharp, clacky sound and a bouncy feel, ideal for those who enjoy active feedback. Meanwhile, the Deep Navy switch offers a rich sound paired with a smooth typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a more refined feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you may gravitate towards one or the other, but both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Cream Yellow switch is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel make it particularly suitable for typists who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively typing experience, whether you’re writing, coding, or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams and seek a smooth, quiet keystroke, the Deep Navy switch would suit you better. Its full nylon construction provides a refined typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or for environments where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, assess your typing style and the sound level you’re comfortable with, and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs for an optimal keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more