HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various types based on their distinct characteristics and user preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out for its full nylon construction and silky smooth keystrokes, delivering a rich and sharp sound profile that can enhance the tactile experience for gamers and typists alike. This linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keypress and a clean, smooth feel without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch offers a more nuanced experience with its gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overwhelming. Its medium-light actuation force creates a balanced and comfortable typing experience, making it versatile for multiple typing environments. With its neutral sound signature and subtle design, the Mallo is perfect for users seeking a more understated yet responsive switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Mallo switches present a fascinating study in contrasts, particularly when we examine the top housings of each switch. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer texture allows it to absorb sound waves, resulting in a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a crisper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound resonance, making it a preferred choice for those looking to highlight audio clarity. Thus, while both switches serve the purpose of providing tactile feedback, the auditory responses elicited from each are distinctively different due to their respective top housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and the Mallo utilize nylon for this component, which leads to an interesting synergy in sound quality. Both switches benefit from the deeper and more full-bodied sound characteristics that nylon offers. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that the feel and sound upon bottoming out are consistent and plush, enhancing the tactile experience of both switches. Since both switch designs incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar performance in this regard, regardless of the differences noted in the top housings. This similarity ensures that both models can deliver a satisfying tactile response upon keystroke engagement.
Overall, the differing top and bottom materials of the Deep Navy and Mallo switches yield unique sound profiles, influencing user experience in distinct ways. The Deep Navy’s nylon top presents a warmer sound which contrasts with the Mallo's sharper auditory experience; however, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees that both switches maintain a rich, consistent aural quality when bottoming out. This combination of materials means that while users can enjoy varied experiences during typing, they will find a commonality in the deeper sound quality brought about by the nylon bottom, demonstrating how different material choices can coexist to create a multifaceted switch experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy boasts a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mallo switch does not provide a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This suggests a firmer feel when bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. With the known data, it’s clear that the Deep Navy is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, whereas the Mallo, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a different tactile feedback that some users may prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we find a notable difference: the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mallo measures 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance speed in keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mallo, with its longer travel distance, may provide users with a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preference regarding responsiveness and key depth.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 stands out with its rich and sharp auditory profile. Crafted from full nylon, these switches produce a pronounced sound that adds a certain vibrancy to each keystroke, making it appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch adopts a more neutral sound signature, characterized as subdued. This allows the Mallo to produce a more dampened sound, making it less noticeable in both quiet and noise-sensitive environments. The versatile nature of the Mallo's sound makes it suitable for a wide range of settings, from home to office.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is described as silky smooth with a gentle upward motion that many typists appreciate for extending periods of use. The smooth actuation allows for quick and fluid typing, ideal for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch offers a mild yet feathery feel that requires minimal exertion, which enhances comfort during long sessions. Additionally, the Mallo features a subtle tactile bump that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering, allowing for a gentle typing experience. This makes the Mallo a good choice for those who prefer a tactile response that is balanced and less pronounced than more aggressive tactile switches.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy excels with its rich sound and silky-smooth actuation, appealing to those who enjoy an auditory and fluid typing experience. Conversely, the Mallo strikes a balance with its neutral sound profile and mild tactile feel, making it suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a pronounced auditory experience or a more subdued yet tactile typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a light touch and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, the Deep Navy’s 45 grams of bottom-out force and its rich, sharp sound profile may be perfectly suited for you, especially in a gaming context or during long typing sessions where that silky smooth feel can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you value tactile feedback but want to avoid a switch that feels too aggressive, the KTT Mallo with its 55 grams of medium-light bottom-out force offers the subtlety and finesse you might find appealing. The Mallo’s gentle tactile response and neutral sound make it an excellent choice for both office environments and casual use, ensuring that you receive just enough feedback to appreciate each keypress without distraction. Thus, consider what aspects of typing—smoothness, feedback, sound profile, and desired force—you prioritize most, as this will guide you in making the best selection between these two excellent options.
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