HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple can make all the difference in your typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and innovative Ly stem design, appealing to those who relish an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant character, offering a more bass-heavy sound signature that brings a unique pop to your typing, pairing this auditory allure with a lightweight feel—boasting a bottom-out force of just 47g. This combination makes it particularly attractive for both casual typists and keyboard enthusiasts alike, who prioritize effortless pressing and a lively sound. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences; whether you lean towards the clarity and smoothness of the Deep Navy or the dynamic and feathery nature of the Flaming Purple, there is much to enjoy. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple switches, a notable contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder auditory experience. This is largely attributed to the inherent softness of nylon, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a more muted keypress. On the conversely, the Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a distinctly sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic not only enhances clarity but also allows for a more resonant output. The visual aesthetic of polycarbonate, with its translucency, also plays a role, especially for users who seek RGB lighting effects, positioning the Flaming Purple as more visually striking due to its light diffusion capabilities.
In their bottom housing compositions, however, both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Purple utilize nylon, which leads to identical auditory qualities. A defining characteristic of nylon is its ability to create that fuller and deeper sound, and since both switches share this material for the bottom housing, users can anticipate a consistent typing experience with regard to bottom-out sound and feel. Given the softness of nylon, the depth of sound and absorption properties remain uniform in both switches, emphasizing the essence of the typing experience without introducing any notable deviation between the two models.
Ultimately, the differences in sound and typing experience between the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Purple can be attributed primarily to their top housing materials. While the nylon bottom housing ensures a similar auditory experience, the contrasting tops—the nylon of Deep Navy versus the polycarbonate of Flaming Purple—will delineate the overall outcome. Users can expect a deeper resonance upon bottoming out with both switches, while the sound heard when releasing a key will be notably different. Therefore, even while sharing commonalities in the bottom components, these switches deliver distinct auditory experiences due to their unique top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, we see notable similarities and slight differences. The Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Flaming Purple switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. Both switches are considered light, catering to users who may prefer longer typing sessions without substantial fatigue. However, the Deep Navy is marginally lighter overall, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged use, while the Flaming Purple provides a slightly firmer feel for those who prefer a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter switch may lean toward the Deep Navy, whereas those who appreciate a bit more resistance might opt for the Flaming Purple.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing these keys. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they are likely to provide comparable feedback during typing and gaming sessions, ensuring consistency in performance. As a result, regardless of which switch you choose, the key travel will feel the same, allowing for a uniform experience in terms of distance traveled when a key is pressed.
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 Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch boasts a rich, sharp audio profile attributed to its full nylon construction. As you type, this switch delivers a clean and precise auditory experience that many users find satisfying. Contrastingly, the TTC Flaming Purple introduces a resonant character, leaning towards a bassier sound profile that includes a touch of a poppy undertone. This combination of low-pitched and resonant qualities creates a more immersive auditory experience, providing depth and richness during key presses. Both switches offer distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Deep Navy emphasizing clarity while the Flaming Purple introduces a bit of depth and flair.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes that enhance the overall typing experience. Its design minimizes resistance, making each press feel fluid and unhindered—a quality that contributes significantly to a pleasant and dynamic feel. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple is characterized by its feathery nature, which requires minimal force to actuate at just 47g, making it an incredibly easy switch to press. This light touch, combined with its smooth operation, reduces finger fatigue and makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Deep Navy's silky feel may appeal to those who prioritize a seamless keystroke, whereas the Flaming Purple's light actuation force caters to users looking for a relaxed typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy focuses on a sharp, rich sound profile and silky smoothness, ideal for users seeking precision and fluidity. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple offers a resonant, bassier sound and a feathery feel that promotes comfort and minimal exertion. Depending on what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience; they simply cater to different tastes and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch depends largely on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and silky typing experience with a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy is likely the better choice for you. Its lighter actuation and full nylon construction offer a satisfying tactile response, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or tasks that require precision. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that combines a unique audio flair with a resonant, slightly bassier sound, the TTC Flaming Purple switch may be more appealing. Its feathery nature allows for effortless typing without strain, making it an excellent option for both gaming and daily use. Ultimately, consider the sound and feel characteristics that resonate with you; go for the Deep Navy for a sophisticated typing atmosphere or the Flaming Purple for a lively, engaging auditory experience.
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