HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its durable full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback alongside a seamless typing experience, making it great for both productivity and leisure. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink shines with its smooth and responsive feel paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, striking a balance between performance and pleasant acoustics. This switch is well-suited for users seeking a premium experience that excels in both gaming and daily tasks without creating excessive noise. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their unique characteristics may appeal to different preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Pink switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that delivers a deeper and fuller sound. This property allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The transparency of polycarbonate also enhances the resonance of sounds produced, making it particularly favorable for RGB lighting setups. As a result, users can expect distinctly different auditory sensations based on the materials employed in the top housing, with the Deep Navy providing a warmer timbre and the Flaming Pink offering a clearer and more vibrant sound.
In contrast, both the Deep Navy and Flaming Pink switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which consists of nylon. This shared feature leads to a more uniform experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects observed in the Deep Navy's top housing. Consequently, while the two switches may diverge in their overall sound characteristics due to the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches provide a consistent bottoming-out feel and auditory experience, characterized by a duller, rounded sound.
Overall, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Pink switches highlights the importance of material selection in crafting the overall typing experience. While the two switches diverge in sound quality owing to their differing top materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees a common deep and full sound signature when keys are pressed. This results in a unique combination of auditory experiences, where the top housings dictate the difference in upper sound frequency while the bottom housing unifies the overall feel and sound when the switches are actuated. Thus, despite their differences, users can achieve comparable auditory sensations when pressing the switches due to the consistency provided by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, despite both being categorized as light switches. The Deep Navy features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Flaming Pink requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and bottoms out at 50 grams. This difference in forces may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with the Flaming Pink offering a heavier feel compared to the Deep Navy. Consequently, those seeking prolonged typing comfort during lengthy sessions might find the lighter Deep Navy more suitable, while users desiring a firmer push sensation might favor the TTC Flaming Pink for its increased resistance. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Deep Navy stands out for its lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users will experience a similar keypress depth when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect comparable tactile feedback and actuation feel, leading to a consistent typing experience. Consequently, neither switch is longer or shorter than the other; they are equal in this aspect, providing players and typists alike with an indistinguishable feeling in terms of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch produces a rich, sharp sound profile owing to its full nylon construction. This unique material choice contributes to a fuller acoustic experience during typing, making each keystroke resonate with clarity. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switch delivers a smooth sound, characterized by a satisfying bottom-out noise that strikes a balance between being bright and not overly loud. While both switches prioritize a pleasant auditory experience, the Deep Navy may provide a more pronounced sound, while the Flaming Pink focuses on a subtler yet still pleasing auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, facilitated by the Ly stem design, which enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing friction. The TTC Flaming Pink also emphasizes smoothness, featuring a responsive feel that caters to both gaming and everyday typing needs. Both switches are designed to deliver a linear experience, ensuring that users will not experience any tactile bumps, allowing for fluid motion during use. This focus on smooth actuation means that both the Deep Navy and Flaming Pink switches are well suited for rapid key presses and sustained typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches share a commitment to providing a smooth typing experience, they each offer distinctive sound qualities that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy is likely to appeal to those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic profile, whereas the Flaming Pink serves users who favor a softer sound without compromising on feel or performance. Regardless of choice, both switches promise to deliver high-quality experiences that are optimal for gaming and daily usage.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch depends largely on your preferences for sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter bottom-out force and a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy would be an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate the silky smoothness that comes with its Ly stem and full nylon construction. This makes it particularly suited for extended typing sessions or for creating a captivating acoustics environment while you work or game. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel along with a more balanced sound profile that is smooth yet responsive, the Flaming Pink is the way to go. Its not overly loud sound design makes it versatile enough for both gaming and everyday typing tasks, appealing to those who seek a satisfying tactile experience without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual needs—whether you prioritize the engaging sound and lightness of the Deep Navy or the responsive feel and balanced noise level of the Flaming Pink.
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