HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Ice

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The HMX Deep Navy switches, known for their rich and sharp sound profile, are crafted with a full nylon construction and feature a Ly stem that ensures silky smoothness with every keystroke. This makes them ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a premium build quality. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches stand out with their stunning crystal-clear transparent design, offering a smooth and responsive feel coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound. These linear switches are particularly well-suited for gamers and everyday users looking for a premium typing experience. While both switches provide a smooth linear feel, they cater to different preferences in sound, aesthetics, and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

TTC Ice Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Ice each utilize distinct materials for their housing that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics, typing experiences, and aesthetic appeal. The Deep Navy employs nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice makes use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. This stiffer material generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more resonant typing experience that enhances the clarity of keystrokes. Therefore, while the HMX Deep Navy promotes a warmer sound signature, the TTC Ice favors a crisper auditory response.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences in material between the two models further emphasize their distinct sound profiles. Nylon in the Deep Navy not only contributes to a fuller sound but also helps to create a softer bottom-out feeling when a key is pressed. This is essential for users who may prefer a muted, cushioned typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the TTC Ice enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, providing a sharper tactile feedback when the key bottoms out. Here, the choice of materials leads to an even more pronounced difference in how the two models respond during use, with the Deep Navy favoring a softer impact and the Ice delivering a more pronounced auditory experience.

Aesthetically, these materials also play a significant role, particularly where RGB lighting is concerned. Polycarbonate's translucency in the TTC Ice allows for vibrant lighting effects that can enhance the overall visual appeal of a keyboard, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize customization through RGB. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Deep Navy may not offer the same level of illumination but compensates by providing a classic and understated design that emphasizes its acoustic properties. Ultimately, while the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Ice differ in material composition, understanding the unique qualities and effects of nylon versus polycarbonate allows users to appreciate the different typing experiences they offer. Both switches can deliver satisfying performance, but the choice between them will largely depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The 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 more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. In contrast, the TTC Ice has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more significant bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a firmer tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Deep Navy is the lighter of the two switches, while the Ice offers a heftier feel. This distinction may influence user preference, with the Deep Navy being ideal for prolonged typing sessions and the Ice catering to those who appreciate a stronger push.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in similar tactile feedback when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel and actuation experience from both switches, making them suitable for those who prefer a consistent key travel in their keyboard. As a result, users will likely enjoy a harmonious typing experience, regardless of which switch they choose, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom remains unchanged at 3.6 mm for both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp sound profile, likely a reflection of its full nylon construction, which can contribute to a more resonant auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Ice linear switch boasts a satisfying bottom-out sound, enhanced by its crystal-clear transparent design. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Deep Navy leaning towards a more pronounced sound while the Ice remains more subdued yet still enjoyable. It's important to note that the final sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch provides a silky smoothness with every keystroke, attributed to its Ly stem, which ensures a seamless typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Ice switch is designed to deliver a smooth and responsive feel, ideal for both gaming and everyday use. While both switches share a linear characteristic leading to a fluid motion, the Deep Navy may provide a more luxurious typing sensation, whereas the Ice focuses on responsiveness that caters to a broader range of activities.

In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Ice linear switches offer excellent qualities suited for different preferences. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich sound and silky smooth feel, whereas the Ice delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound with a responsive typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a premium feel and sound with either option, making them well-suited for those seeking high-quality linear switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter keypress with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a rich and sharp sound profile while typing. The fully nylon construction contributes to its durability and overall smoothness, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or if you enjoy a softer feel to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial press with a bottom-out force of 60 grams and appreciate a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Ice switch is ideal. With its transparent design, it not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also delivers a satisfying sound and feel that works well for both gaming and daily tasks. Therefore, consider your typing style, the weight of the switches, and the overall sound experience you desire as you make your choice.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more