HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Orange are two compelling linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is designed to deliver a bouncy feel complemented by its 22mm long spring, making each press enjoyable and dynamic. With a polycarbonate milky top housing and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange focuses on providing a frictionless, fluid typing experience, enhanced by excellent factory lubing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prefer the richer audio feedback of the Deep Navy or the responsive bounciness of the KTT Orange. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
46g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and KTT Orange switches utilize distinctly different materials for both their top and bottom housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles and user experiences. The Deep Navy features nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Nylon's relatively softer composition allows it to absorb sound effectively, producing a duller and rounder sound profile. This characteristic not only enhances the tactile feel of the switch but also creates a warm, mellow auditory response. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches employ polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures that it resonates more clearly, providing a crisper auditory feedback during typing, which can be more appealing for users seeking a distinct sound.
The aesthetic qualities of the two housing materials also differ significantly. The translucency of polycarbonate in the KTT Orange allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it particularly attractive for those who prioritize visual customization in their setups. Conversely, the nylon housing of the HMX Deep Navy does not offer the same level of light diffusion, though its robust construction is well-regarded for durability and longevity. While both switches can deliver satisfying auditory responses, the visual capabilities of the KTT Orange cater to a different subset of user preferences, emphasizing the importance of considering the overall experience when choosing a switch.
In terms of tactile experience, the effects of the different materials are split between the top and bottom housings in each switch. With the HMX Deep Navy, the combination of nylon for both housing components reinforces the overall depth of sound while providing a consistent feel from keypress to key release. In contrast, the KTT Orange, with its dual polycarbonate construction, ensures a sharper auditory feedback both when the key bottoms out and during key release, offering a more pronounced return to the resting position. Ultimately, while the materials used in both switches yield different sound profiles and aesthetics, users can achieve satisfactory results based on their individual preferences, whether they gravitate toward the warmth of nylon or the clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their performance characteristics. The HMX Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, especially during extended use. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. This makes the KTT Orange feel more substantial under the fingers, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer feedback while typing or gaming. Due to these differences, if users are looking for an easier and lighter tactile response, the HMX Deep Navy is the optimal choice, while those seeking a more pronounced typing experience may favor the KTT Orange. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, whereas the KTT Orange is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the KTT Orange the shorter option between the two. For gamers or those who prioritize quick response times, the slightly reduced travel of the Orange may be more appealing, offering faster actuation. On the other hand, the Deep Navy's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, which some users may appreciate for its depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and the tactile feedback one desires from their typing experience.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 provides a rich and sharp sound profile due to its full nylon construction, offering a distinct auditory experience that stands out during typing. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, is known for its low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that can create a quieter typing environment. While the Deep Navy's sound is likely to be more pronounced and crisp, the KTT Orange will appeal to those who appreciate a subtler auditory experience. It's important to note that the final sound will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, but generally, the Deep Navy stands out for a more pronounced sound while the Orange provides a softer auditory presence.
In terms of feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a silky smoothness, delivering a seamless typing experience with every keystroke facilitated by its Ly stem design. Conversely, the KTT Orange shines with its bouncy and frictionless nature thanks to its 22mm long spring and carefully designed components. This creates a lively and responsive sensation under the fingers, almost like a spring rebound, ensuring an effortlessly smooth typing journey. The Deep Navy focuses more on providing a fluid keystroke, while the Orange offers a more dynamic feedback that some typists might find invigorating.
Considering both switches, the HMX Deep Navy attracts those seeking a striking auditory experience coupled with a smooth feel, whereas the KTT Orange appeals to users who prefer a softer sound combined with a lively and fluid typing sensation. Ultimately, if you desire a rich sound and silky smoothness, the Deep Navy may be ideal for you, while the KTT Orange will be perfect for those who enjoy an elastic, frictionless feel with a more subdued auditory profile. Your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and sound preferences. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with a richer, sharper sound profile that immerses you in a smooth typing experience, the Deep Navy switch would be an excellent fit. Its full nylon construction and silky-smooth feel make it perfect for those who prioritize both tactile enjoyment and auditory satisfaction, particularly for longer typing sessions or creative work. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a bouncy, lively feedback, the KTT Orange would be your go-to option. The slightly heavier bottom-out force of the Orange gives it a more robust feel, and its low-pitched tone combined with an exceptionally smooth, frictionless travel makes it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate responsive, quick keystrokes. Ultimately, weigh these attributes against your personal typing habits and sound preferences to determine which switch best suits your needs.
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