HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Kang White

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, users often find themselves drawn to two intriguing options: the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Kang White, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The HMX Deep Navy is noted for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and innovative Ly stem design. This makes it an appealing choice for those who value a satisfying auditory experience alongside tactile performance. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White stands out as a poppy linear switch with a dazzling typing sound. Its self-lubricating material ensures an unparalleled smoothness, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a seamless typing experience without the distraction of noise. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different user preferences, whether you’re seeking auditory feedback or a whisper-quiet operation. 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

KTT Kang White Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$1.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Kang White switches reflect distinct approaches to sound profiling and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboards. The Deep Navy incorporates a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softness, which tends to absorb sound and elicits a deeper, fuller auditory feedback when typing. This characteristic contributes to a rounded and mellow sound profile that many users find appealing for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Kang White integrates polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer material that enhances the clarity of the sound. As a result, the Kang White yields a sharper and crisper typing sound, which may be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response.

While the top housings of the two switches diverge significantly—nylon for the Deep Navy and polycarbonate for the Kang White—both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This consistency introduces an interesting dimension to their comparative sound profiles. Since nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, both switches will achieve a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing is critical because it influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Consequently, while users may notice differing auditory experiences due to the variance in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will maintain some level of consistency in their deeper sound characteristics.

In summary, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Deep Navy and Kang White switches set them apart in terms of sonic articulation, while their identical nylon bottom housings help create a shared baseline of sound depth in both switches. This combination of materials allows for a nuanced experience that reflects the unique sound design intentions behind each switch. Users opting for the Deep Navy may enjoy a more subdued and rich sound, while those selecting the Kang White can expect a brighter, crisper auditory experience. Regardless of choice, the underlying nylon construction in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will share a certain depth of sound that complements their individual characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics. The Deep Navy has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those engaged in prolonged work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Kang White features a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial feel for typists who favor a stronger push. This means that while both switches have actuation forces that are relatively close, the Deep Navy is lighter overall, making it better suited for extended use, whereas the Kang White caters to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, your preferences would dictate which switch might provide the most satisfying results based on the differing weight and feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, the key difference lies in their measurements: the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kang White offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, appealing for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Kang White, with its extra 0.4 mm of travel, may provide a more substantial feel, which some users might appreciate for its depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its rich and sharp tones, resulting from its full nylon construction, which contributes to a distinctive auditory experience when typing. While specific details regarding the sound of the Deep Navy were not provided, its construction suggests it may have a robust and defined sound quality. In contrast, the KTT Kang White features a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, making it an excellent candidate for quieter environments. Additionally, it has a neutral sound profile that caters well to both novice and experienced users, ensuring versatility for various typing scenarios from home to work settings. When using these switches, expect a well-defined auditory feedback from the Deep Navy and a more subdued yet pleasant sound environment with the Kang White.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch offers an experience of silky smoothness with each keystroke, attributed to its Ly stem, which enhances the overall typing experience. This smoothness enhances precision and allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Kang White switch is noted for its unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, which indicates a design that minimizes friction and resistance during use. Both switches promise a pleasing tactile experience, emphasizing smooth keypresses that many typists will appreciate, potentially yielding similar levels of enjoyment and efficiency in your typing endeavors.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Kang White linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy’s rich, sharp sound contrasts with the mellow, neutral tones of the Kang White. However, both switches emphasize smoothness, making them excellent choices for those who value a seamless typing experience. Individual preferences will ultimately dictate the best fit, but either switch promises a satisfying performance that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering the HMX Deep Navy linear switch versus the KTT Kang White linear switch, it's essential to align your preferences with their distinct characteristics. If you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a smooth and rich sound profile, the Deep Navy could be your ideal choice. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it a great option for those who type quickly or enjoy a less taxing experience during prolonged use. The full nylon construction ensures a pleasant acoustic experience, which is perfect for environments where noise matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force, a more pronounced typing sound, and excellent self-lubricating properties, the KTT Kang White is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches provide a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate, delivering a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that resonates well in both professional and casual settings. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect how you prioritize typing feel, sound, and the overall experience to cater to your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more