HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a significant difference, and two notable options are the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Pine. The HMX Deep Navy switches are distinguished by their rich, sharp sound profile and a full nylon construction, providing a uniquely immersive auditory experience. Alongside their silky smooth keystrokes, these switches appeal to gamers and typists who appreciate not only performance but also satisfying acoustics. In contrast, the KTT Pine switches offer a medium-heavy feel with a buttery smoothness, making them ideal for those seeking effortless typing. With their polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches excel at minimizing friction, ensuring a seamless key travel that many users find appealing. While both switches provide linearity and smoothness, their sound profiles and tactile experiences cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Pine keyboards, notable differences emerge that shape their overall auditory experience and tactile feedback. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is a result of nylon’s relatively softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, giving the typing experience a softer impact. In contrast, KTT Pine employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer structure provides clarity and resonance, creating a distinct auditory experience that can easily be appreciated during typing.
The aesthetic aspects of these materials also play a significant role in their effectiveness and appeal. The Deep Navy’s nylon housing is more subdued, aligning with its sound characteristics to create an understated typing experience. However, the KTT Pine utilizes polycarbonate, which often comes in a clear or translucent form. This translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making the Pine visually striking in low-light environments. This capability is increasingly sought after by users who prioritize both lighting effects and sound quality in their keyboard experience, showcasing a primary divergence in design philosophy between the two models.
When considering the impact of each housing material on the typing experience, it is essential to note that the distinct qualities of each contribute to different aspects of sound. For keyboards with dual materials, such as nylon and polycarbonate, the strengths of one material can counterbalance the weaknesses of another. Therefore, when the Deep Navy and KTT Pine are used, the nylon's soft sound absorption will soften the sound produced by the polycarbonate's clarity, resulting in a more balanced auditory experience. Ultimately, while the Deep Navy leans towards a warmer and rounder sound, the KTT Pine emphasizes clarity and sharpness. Depending on user preference, both keyboards can offer satisfying results, albeit through very different material properties.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, offering distinct experiences for users. The Deep Navy has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who type for longer periods, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Pine switch features a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push. This difference in weight means that while the Deep Navy may enhance comfort during extended use, the Pine's firmer actuation and bottom out forces cater to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference, with the Deep Navy being the lighter option and the Pine being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, the key difference lies in their respective measurements. The Deep Navy boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine measures 4 mm. This indicates that the Pine switch has a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Deep Navy's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance needed to activate the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference; if you prefer responsiveness, the HMX Deep Navy might be the better fit, while those who favor a more pronounced key press may lean towards the KTT Pine.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp quality due to its full nylon construction. This material contributes to distinctive auditory feedback, which likely enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is noted for its bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and more resonant tone when the keys are pressed. The Pine's sound can be likened to the fullness that bass provides, which may create a more immersive typing environment. While both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, they cater to different preferences, with Deep Navy favoring a sharper sound and Pine providing a deeper bassy experience.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, created by the design of the Ly stem, which ensures a seamless keystroke experience. Conversely, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish. This construction minimizes friction, resulting in an effortless typing experience that feels smooth and fluid. Both switches prioritize a smooth keystroke, but the Deep Navy leans towards a more refined touch, while the KTT Pine emphasizes a buttery and creamy sensation that glides with every keypress.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy excels in providing a sharp, rich sound and a silky smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate a more refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine's bassy tones and buttery, creamy feel make it an enticing choice for users seeking a deep and immersive typing experience. Those who appreciate smoothness in their keystrokes can expect satisfying results from both switches, though they may gravitate towards one or the other based on their sound preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and the experience you seek while using your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force and enjoy the sharp, rich sound profile of your switches, the Deep Navy will likely suit you better. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for rapid key presses, making it perfect for fast typists or gamers who prioritize quick response times. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers coupled with a deeper, bassy sound, the KTT Pine’s medium-heavy 58-gram force may be more your style. The polished, buttery-smooth keystrokes of the Pine offer a creamy, effortless typing experience, which many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing style and comfort: go for the Deep Navy if you want lighter strokes and an engaging sound, but if you enjoy a more grounded feel and a low-pitched auditory experience, the KTT Pine would be the way to go.
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