HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering a unique typing experience. Among the crowd, the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Grapefruit stand out as two fascinating linear switches, each catering to different preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its immersive, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and the distinctive Ly stem design. It delivers an elevated tactile experience for those who value precision in every press. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switches are revered for their light and soft feel, providing a more subdued typing experience with a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that leans toward a polished finish. This appealing combination makes them an excellent choice for users who prefer quieter yet satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches hinges on personal preference—whether one favors the pronounced sound and smoothness of the Deep Navy or the gentle touch and subtle acoustics of the Grapefruit. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and KTT Grapefruit feature distinct materials for their top housings, which leads to contrasting auditory experiences during use. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is characterized by its relatively softer composition. This material absorbs sound waves more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that many tactile keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit is designed with a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and allows sound to resonate more sharply. This results in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory feedback. Consequently, users of the Deep Navy may enjoy a warmer and rounder typing experience, whereas Grapefruit users might appreciate the clear and bright acoustics from their switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and Grapefruit switch to nylon, presenting a similarity that significantly influences their typing feel. The consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in the Grapefruit ensures that it retains a fuller sound profile similar to that of the Deep Navy. The nylon's qualities impart a certain depth to the bottoming out, resulting in a rounded and softer tactile response irrespective of the differing top materials. Thus, even with the contrasting top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a familiar feel that can enhance the overall typing experience for both switch types.
In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Grapefruit diverge in their choice of top housing material, opting for nylon and polycarbonate respectively, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This unique configuration means that although users might experience different sound profiles and auditory feedback when typing, the tactile sensation upon bottoming out remains consistent. Consequently, the Deep Navy offers a rounded and deeper auditory landscape, while the Grapefruit delivers a brighter and sharper tonal quality. Together, these elements create unique keyboard experiences shaped by both the pros and cons of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, several distinctions emerge. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Grapefruit's actuation force is slightly heavier at 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 53 grams. This heavier resistance may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Ultimately, those who opt for the HMX Deep Navy can expect a gentler experience overall, while the KTT Grapefruit offers a bit more resistance, catering to those who appreciate a medium-light switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Grapefruit switch extends to 4 mm. This means that the Grapefruit switch has a longer travel distance, providing a deeper press that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Deep Navy switch may cater to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, as the less pronounced travel can facilitate faster keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize rapid actuation or a more substantial feel when pressing the keys.
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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a rich and sharp auditory experience, characterized by its resonant tones that provide a satisfying acoustic feedback with every keystroke. This full nylon construction contributes to a more distinctive sound profile that elevates the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound, which leans towards a mellow quality, making it less obtrusive in shared environments. While the Grapefruit’s sound is described as baritone—emphasizing a deeper tone without quite reaching a bass level—its overall profile remains moderate, making it versatile for both casual and professional use. Sound perception is also influenced by the keyboard’s construction and chosen keycaps, so both switches may deliver distinct auditory results based on these factors.
Regarding feel, the Deep Navy switch is recognized for its smoothness, attributed to its design and construction, promising a seamless typing experience. However, the specific qualities of the Deep Navy switch in terms of tactile feedback are not detailed in the provided information. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit offers a polished feel, which indicates a refined and smooth key travel thanks to its design, likely enhanced by quality materials or factory lubing. This polished touch can enhance the typing experience, making it effortless and enjoyable. Therefore, while the Grapefruit’s softness and lightness might appeal to those who prefer a gentle typing experience, the Deep Navy’s smoothness could cater to users seeking fluidity in each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Grapefruit linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Deep Navy excels in providing a rich and sharp sound alongside a smooth typing experience, while the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched, mellow sound with a polished feel. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and typing sensations, ensuring that users can find satisfaction regardless of their switch selection. If you're considering either switch, anticipate varying results based on your keyboard and keycap choices, which can significantly affect sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as your typing style. If you lean toward a lighter keystroke and appreciate a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy may be your ideal choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly responsive, allowing for quick and effortless typing, which can be especially beneficial for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where every millisecond counts. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer typing experience with a mellow, low-pitched sound that tempers your keystrokes, the Grapefruit, with its 53-gram bottom-out force, might be more your speed. The polished finish of the Grapefruit provides a smooth and refined typing sensation, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you favor a lighter touch with the Deep Navy or a more substantial feel with the Grapefruit, tailoring your keyboard experience to suit your style and environment.
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