HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two contenders that exemplify the variety on the market today are the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Hyacinth, both linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a luxurious feel while typing. Conversely, the KTT Hyacinth stands out with its innovative design, featuring a 3.5mm travel distance that minimizes the harsh bottom-out experience common in longer-stemmed switches; its single-stage elongated spring further enhances the consistency of the force curve, striking a balance between tactile feedback and user comfort. While both switches offer a linear experience, they cater to different needs—those seeking a more pronounced auditory experience may lean towards the Deep Navy, whereas users focused on comfort and consistency might prefer the Hyacinth. 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
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Hyacinth, we see a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer characteristics, which lend a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile during use. The inherent properties of polycarbonate create a more resonant and clear sound, making it particularly appealing for users who favor auditory feedback that is bright and articulate.
Both keyboards share similar bottom housing materials, with nylon being utilized in both the Deep Navy and the Hyacinth. This commonality in bottom housing results in a unified approach to the deeper sound profiles exhibited by both switches upon bottoming out. The nylon’s soft characteristics ensure that both models deliver a consistent, rounded auditory experience when the keys are fully pressed down. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in material and the resulting sound experience, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches still provide a satisfying tactile feel and an enriched sound profile when fully engaged.
The interaction between the differing top housing materials and the shared bottom housing in the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Hyacinth underscores the significance of material choice in keyboard design. When typing, the Deep Navy's nylon top provides a cozy auditory backdrop while the bottom reinforces this softer sound signature. Conversely, the Hyacinth benefits from a punchier sound delivery with its polycarbonate top, enhancing the overall typing experience via sharper feedback. Ultimately, if a user values the brighter characteristics of the Hyacinth’s top housing but enjoys the deep sound present in both models due to their nylon bottoms, they can achieve similar satisfaction through these unique yet harmonious designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience, especially beneficial during extended writing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, appealing to those who desire a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Deep Navy switch is the lighter option, while the Hyacinth is heavier, which may influence a user's choice depending on their typing preferences. Ultimately, those looking for a softer touch and ease of use over long durations may favor the Deep Navy, whereas users seeking more resistance might lean towards the medium-light Hyacinth.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, the Deep Navy measures 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference might seem minimal, but it can influence user experience based on individual preferences. The Deep Navy’s longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and pronounced feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper actuation and a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, ideal for fast-paced activities. Thus, while both switches offer a fairly close travel distance, the HMX Deep Navy is the longer option, and the KTT Hyacinth offers a slightly shorter one.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich, sharp quality that can create an engaging auditory experience during typing. While the specifics of the Deep Navy's sound characteristics are not fully detailed, its construction from full nylon likely contributes to a more muted and refined acoustic feedback. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth offers a neutral sound profile, described as moderate overall. This makes it an adaptable choice, suitable for a variety of environments whether at home or in an office setting. The sound from both switches may ultimately vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning users could achieve enjoyable audio experiences irrespective of the switch selection.
When it comes to tactile feel, the HMX Deep Navy promises a smooth keystroke, emphasized by the Ly stem, which is designed to deliver a seamless typing experience. While the intricacies of the Deep Navy switch's texture are not detailed, its focus on smoothness suggests a refined tactile response. The KTT Hyacinth, on the other hand, is described as providing a silky feel, enhancing the smoothness of each keystroke while also incorporating a subtle resistance that makes it easy to type without the annoyance of bottoming out. This consideration for user comfort through a carefully balanced resistance profile makes the Hyacinth highly suitable for prolonged typing sessions, particularly in shared spaces where minimal sound disruption is preferred.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Hyacinth linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences, though both are oriented towards a smooth typing experience. The Deep Navy is likely to appeal to those who enjoy a richer sound profile, while the Hyacinth provides a more neutral auditory experience coupled with an emphasis on user comfort through its unique design choices. Ultimately, both switches can satisfy similar needs in sound and feel, making them excellent options for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, your decision should reflect your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a light keystroke with a rich, sharp sound profile, and if you revel in the silky smooth feel of a switch that minimizes resistance, the Deep Navy is likely the better choice for you. It’s particularly appealing if you're a gamer or typist who craves a responsive and nimble experience. On the other hand, if you tend to appreciate a bit more resistance and seek a switch that offers a slightly firmer bottom-out feel, while still delivering a silky typing experience, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent option. Its unique 3.5mm travel distance can help you avoid the harsh bottoming-out sensation, and its balanced performance makes it versatile enough to suit both home and work environments. Therefore, consider your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the typing applications you’ll be engaging in to make the most fitting choice between these two exceptional switches.
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