HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options stand out: the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Purple Click. The HMX Deep Navy is celebrated for its immersive sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a quiet yet satisfying linear experience. Its full nylon construction and Ly stem offer durability and smoothness, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing environment. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, known for its high-pitched, satisfying click, provides a lively and tactile feedback that many typists find invigorating. This clicky switch strikes a balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, catering to users who enjoy an auditory and touch-based feedback experience in each press. Given these distinctive features, one might choose the Deep Navy for a smooth and quieter experience, while the Purple Click may appeal to those who appreciate pronounced clicks and tactile sensations with every stroke. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Purple Click represent two distinct approaches to housing material in mechanical switches, creating notable differences in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively. As a result, typing on the Deep Navy produces a deeper and fuller sound, providing a softer auditory feedback that many users find comforting and conducive to long typing sessions. In contrast, the Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and can create a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material choice promotes a crisper auditory experience, which could appeal to users seeking a more precise and resonant sound profile while typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for this component. This shared material results in similar acoustic characteristics for both models at the bottom of the switch, as nylon's softer properties deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing's material. Therefore, while the Deep Navy and Purple Click may seem divergent in their sound profiles due to their different top materials, the commonality in their nylon bottom housings bridges the gap. Users pressing either switch will feel the effects of this nylon base, resulting in a consistent auditory feedback that aligns with a more muted and rounded sound, showcasing a hybrid appeal in both designs.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Deep Navy and Purple Click lead to unique sound characteristics influenced by their top housings, while both benefit from the nylon bottom housing's acoustic dampening properties. This interplay means that typing on the Deep Navy will elicit a warmer, deeper sound during both the actuation and the release, while the Purple Click will deliver a sharper auditory burst during actuation and a similar, yet potentially more resonant, release experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile—whether one favors the rounded depth of nylon or the clarity of polycarbonate—acknowledging that the shared nylon bottom provides a level of consistency across both options.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, both switches share an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, they diverge significantly in their bottom out forces; the Deep Navy features a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Click has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Deep Navy lighter overall, which may benefit users who engage in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Purple Click, with its heavier bottom out force, may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel when completing keystrokes. Thus, while they share the same actuation force, their bottom out forces cater to different preferences, with the Deep Navy being the lighter option and the Purple Click the heavier one.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm positions the Deep Navy as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Click's 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, catering to those who prefer the tactile feedback and deeper keystrokes associated with clicky switches. Consequently, users who favor swift response times might opt for the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Purple Click. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the type of experience desired.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 offers a rich and sharp auditory profile characterized by its nylon construction. The sound it generates is smooth and steady, which allows for a more focused and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click is distinctively known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. The sound is best described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, and has a resonant quality that provides a clean and sharp auditory experience. This difference in sound profile means that while the Deep Navy is more subdued and linear, the Purple Click is lively and engaging, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, providing an uninterrupted performance with every keystroke. This smoothness is ideal for those who prefer a linear experience without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Purple Click offers an invigorating tactile sensation with its pronounced feedback. It features a moderate to firm actuation force that feels snappy and reactive, combined with a stepped feeling that provides a clear distinction in the keystroke stages. This means that users will experience an engaging touch with tactile feedback while typing, making the Purple Click feel more interactive compared to the smooth performance of the Deep Navy.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Purple Click switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Deep Navy's rich, smooth auditory profile and its silky linear actuation contrast sharply with the Purple Click's crunchy, resonant sound and invigorating tactile feel. For those who appreciate a more subdued typing experience, the Deep Navy will provide a seamless, quiet interaction, while the Purple Click will appeal to users looking for a pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: whether you favor linear smoothness or engaging tactile clicks in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, and you appreciate a rich, immersive sound profile that enhances your typing experience without distraction, the Deep Navy will serve you well. It’s perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort and a quiet environment matter. On the other hand, if you enjoy audible feedback and a satisfying click with a bit more tactile response—thanks to the Purple Click’s medium-light actuation force of 55 grams—you’ll find that these switches provide an invigorating typing experience reminiscent of crunching autumn leaves. They’re ideal for those who thrive on pronounced feedback and enjoy the clickity sound that can make typing feel both engaging and dynamic. Ultimately, consider what is most important to you in a switch: smoothness and quietude or clicky feedback and tactile stimulation, and your personal preference will guide you to the right choice.
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