KTT Cream Yellow vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX SU offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences, particularly for those who enjoy linear switches. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its uniquely bouncy feel and notably clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, resonating with users who appreciate energetic feedback during typing. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on auditory cues and a lively touch sensation. In contrast, the HMX SU delivers a subtler and deeper sound profile, crafted with a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, providing a more subdued typing experience that can be appealing for those seeking a quieter setup without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their unique strengths and may cater to different preferences—whether it's the loud, bouncy engagement of the Cream Yellow or the smooth, mellow feedback of the HMX SU. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

HMX SU Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX SU switches, one notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic results in a clearer and more resonant sound that is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is employed, thanks to the translucency of the polycarbonate. Conversely, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively and generates a deeper, fuller sound profile. This contrast indicates that, while the Cream Yellow's top housing enhances brightness in sound, the HMX SU's top housing brings a rounder, more muted tonal quality.

In contrast, both the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX SU feature nylon for their bottom housings, a classic choice in switch design. The use of nylon in both cases contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience, as this material is known to dampen sound due to its softer compositions. This means that, despite the differing top housing materials, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel during a key press, both switches should provide a similar, pleasant tactile experience. The nylon's inherent acoustic properties help ensure that the bottom housing delivers a consistent sound profile in both scenarios.

Ultimately, the auditory experience derived from these switches can be influenced by the combination of top and bottom housing characteristics. While the KTT Cream Yellow and HMX SU switches diverge in their top housing materials—resulting in distinct sound profiles during key release—both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a cohesive deep sound during key presses. This complementary relationship between the different materials allows users to appreciate various sound qualities, while also ensuring that both switches retain a satisfactory auditory experience, albeit with varying tonal nuances.

Weight

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch showcase notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces, affecting the typing experience each offers. The Cream Yellow requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, classifying it as a medium-pressure switch, while the HMX SU is lighter, needing only 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This means that the Cream Yellow switch provides a more substantial feel during typing, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its lighter forces, could be a preferable choice for those looking to type for extended periods without fatigue or for quicker keystrokes during gaming. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the HMX SU is the better option, while those desiring a heftier typing experience should lean towards the KTT Cream Yellow.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there is a slight difference worth noting. The KTT Cream Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial depth that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. If both switches were the same length, users would likely achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness, but as it stands, the Cream Yellow edges out in speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctly clacky profile. This characteristic comes from its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which contribute to a sharp, crisp audio feedback that users often find satisfying. The sound can be described as bright and percussive, making every keystroke noteworthy. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, producing a more subtle, relatively deep sound profile. While the nuances of the SU's audio aren't specified, it leans towards a gentler aural experience compared to the vibrant and lively tones of the Cream Yellow. It's important to remember, however, that the overall sound of either switch will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its bouncy response, providing a spring-like feedback that's enjoyable for many typists and gamers. This lively sensation makes the keys feel reactive, almost giving a sense of rebound when pressed, which can enhance the typing experience significantly. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX SU linear switch is not explicitly detailed; therefore, it’s challenging to make an exact comparison. However, given that it is a linear switch, it can be anticipated that it may lack the distinct tactile feedback found in bouncy switches like the Cream Yellow.

In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow offers a strikingly clacky sound and a bouncy feel that can create an engaging typing experience, while the HMX SU linear switch provides a subtler, deep sound profile and an undefined tactile experience. If you seek an audibly dynamic and lively switch, the Cream Yellow is an appealing option, whereas the SU might cater to those who appreciate a quieter, muted typing experience. Ultimately, individual preferences will play a significant role in determining which switch may be the best fit.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow and the HMX SU linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium actuation force with a delightful auditory experience, the Cream Yellow might be the best choice for you. Its clacky sound and bouncy feel create an engaging typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a lively feedback and don’t mind a bit of noise while typing. This switch is well-suited for typing enthusiasts, gamers who enjoy the auditory cues, or anyone looking for a unique tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress that offers a more subdued audio profile, the HMX SU could be your ideal pick. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, making it perfect for those who seek relief in long typing sessions or need a quieter environment. The deeper sound profile can be appealing if you want a more understated experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a bouncy, clacky switch or a lighter, deeper-sounding switch that prioritizes comfort and subtlety.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more