HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Purple Star

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact your overall satisfaction and performance. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out with its robust full nylon construction and a rich, sharp sound profile, providing a tactile experience that resonates with users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. This linear switch is designed for those who appreciate silky smoothness in every keystroke, making it ideal for avid typists and gamers who value precision and responsiveness. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a distinctly different appeal with its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience paired with a neutral sound signature. With an incredibly lightweight 45g bottom-out, these switches cater to light typists who prioritize ease and comfort during extended use. Each switch offers unique benefits depending on your typing style and preferences; 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 Purple Star Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$4.88 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and KTT Purple Star highlight the diverse use of housing materials in mechanical switches, each bringing its unique auditory characteristics. The Deep Navy employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer, more absorbent qualities, which contribute to a deeper and rounder sound profile. This softness enables the nylon to absorb sound waves effectively, resulting in a more muted acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which also yields a pleasant, deeper sound but distinguishes itself with a slightly different tactile experience and resonance due to the differing material properties of POM compared to nylon.

Although both the Deep Navy and Purple Star exhibit similar sound profiles—deeper and more muted—they achieve these auditory experiences through different materials, which also influence the tactile feedback of the switches. The nylon in the Deep Navy contributes to a fuller bottom-out sound and feel, similar to how the POM housings of the Purple Star offer a unique sound profile. When pressed, the impact of the material properties becomes evident; while the nylon's softness allows for a rounder strike and sound absorption, POM maintains firmness that can enhance clarity during actuation. Therefore, even with comparable acoustic outcomes, the sensation of typing on these switches is shaped distinctly by their respective housing materials.

Despite their differences, the similarities in the acoustics of the two switches suggest that users might experience comparable results when using either. The Deep Navy's nylon components and Purple Star's POM elements both demonstrate effectiveness in creating pleasantly deep and muted sounds. This can lead to a subjective experience in typing that feels comforting and pleasant across both switches. Ultimately, while the materials differ—nylon for the Deep Navy enhancing softness and resonance and POM for the Purple Star offering a firmer tactile sensation—the end results regarding sound quality can lead to a similar user experience, showcasing the nuanced nature of switch design.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, both are categorized as light switches, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The HMX Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the KTT Purple Star requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Deep Navy is the lighter switch, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without tiring the fingers as quickly. Conversely, the Purple Star, with its heavier forces, offers a more substantial feel when typing, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the choice between them would depend on whether the user favors a lighter touch or a more substantial actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a more substantial press, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a hearty depth while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Purple Star, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it does reflect a subtle distinction in feel, where the Deep Navy provides just a bit more feedback during use compared to the more abrupt actuation of the Purple Star. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter Purple Star may be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a deeper press, the Deep Navy would be more appropriate.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp quality, attributable to its full nylon construction, which contributes to a more defined acoustic response. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch delivers a low-pitched sound that possesses a mellow and bass-heavy tone, resulting in a more neutral auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, it’s important to note that the overall sound output can be influenced by other factors, such as the specific keyboard used and the choice of keycaps, potentially leading to diversely perceived audio experiences for both models.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Deep Navy is noted for its silky smoothness with each keystroke, providing an enjoyable typing experience that users may find appealing. On the other hand, the Purple Star linear switch is designed for lighter typing with a mild feel, making it approachable for most users. Its easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force to activate, further enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue, especially during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Purple Star presents a gentle mechanical typing experience, while the Deep Navy emphasizes a smooth yet rich tactile sensation.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Purple Star switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, each caters to different preferences. The Deep Navy's sharper acoustic profile complements its silky smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more defined typing experience, while the Purple Star's low-pitched sound and light actuation force provide a comforting and accessible option for casual typists. Users can expect to find satisfaction in either switch depending on their personal typing style and priorities, but if sound neutrality and ease of use are key considerations, the Purple Star may be the more suitable choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switches and the KTT Purple Star linear switches ultimately depends on your priorities for typing experience and sound profile. If you are someone who enjoys a rich and sharp auditory experience while typing, the Deep Navy switches might be the perfect fit for you, especially with their fully nylon construction that delivers a smooth keystroke. Furthermore, if you are sensitive to the feel of your switches, the Deep Navy provides a satisfying experience with a light 45g bottom-out force that facilitates comfortable typing, making this an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and sound in their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if your focus is on a buttery smooth and gentle typing experience, the KTT Purple Star switches stand out with their all-POM construction and mild characteristics. With a slightly heavier 50g bottom-out, these switches are well-suited for users who favor a neutral sound signature and a low-impact feel, making them ideal for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, you can opt for the Deep Navy if you crave an engaging auditory environment, while the Purple Star can be your go-to for effortless comfort and a more subdued typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.88 per 10

Learn more