HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between numerous options, each offering a unique typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy stands out with its sharp, rich sound profile, crafted from full nylon for durability, and features a Ly stem that guarantees a silky smooth keystroke. This switch is well-suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a softer, more neutral experience with a low-pitched sound profile, enhanced by a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that many find enjoyable for long typing sessions. While both switches are linear and cater to different user preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer a more textured sound experience or an exceptionally smooth, low-noise environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your individual typing style.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and KTT Sea Salt Lemon exhibit notable differences in their top housings, primarily due to the materials used: nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. The Deep Navy's nylon top housing provides a sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller tone. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and generates a flatter, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials fundamentally alters the acoustic characteristics of the switches, affecting the overall typing experience significantly.

When considering the bottom housing, both switches share a commonality. The HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature nylon bottom housings. This material brings similar qualities to the typing experience, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is consistent across both models. The nylon bottom housing provides a dampening effect, absorbing sound and contributing to a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials in the top housing, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a similar sound quality in terms of depth and fullness when bottoming out.

The combination of differing top housings and the shared bottom housing creates a unique interplay in the typing experience between the two switches. While the HMX Deep Navy emphasizes the softer, muffled sounds due to its nylon top, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its brighter tones delivered by the polycarbonate top. Ultimately, when users press down on either switch, they will experience resistance and sound qualities driven by the nylon bottom housing. However, the release of the keys will highlight the distinct characteristics of the top housings, allowing each switch to shine in its own way. Thus, while there are notable differences in sound profiles influenced by the top housings, the consistent nylon bottom housing provides a familiar foundation for both typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This lighter feel is beneficial for users looking to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light tactile experience. This increased force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feedback and a stronger push feel. Therefore, while both switches offer a distinct typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy is the preferable choice for lighter keypresses, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon delivers a heftier feel for those who appreciate a more pronounced switch engagement.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Deep Navy is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or those who favor quicker response times. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, offering a feeling of depth and a less abrupt action. While both switches serve different preferences in terms of travel distance, the choice ultimately depends on individual user comfort and typing or gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch boasts a rich, sharp sound profile that is notable for its full nylon construction. This materials choice contributes to a distinctive auditory experience with each keystroke, giving a crisp and clear sound. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon produces low-pitched sounds that are bass-heavy and mellow, complemented by its neutral audio characteristics. The combination of these elements makes the Sea Salt Lemon suitable for a wider range of environments, be it home or office, as it maintains a moderate sound profile that isn't overly intrusive. Overall, while both switches have smooth audio signatures, the Deep Navy leans towards a sharper tone whereas the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more laid-back, mellow sound.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch delivers an experience that promises silky smoothness with every keystroke, enhancing the typing experience significantly with its Ly stem design. This smoothness is likely to be appreciated by users looking for a consistent linear feel without any interruptions. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized by a mild typing sensation, making it approachable for most users. Its progressive spring design and KTT's dry-lube treatment ensure that typing remains buttery smooth, appealing to those who may prefer a slightly less pronounced feedback. While the Deep Navy switch focuses on a luxurious smooth experience, the Sea Salt Lemon combines this with a more gentle and overall balanced touch.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy excels in providing a sharp sound profile and silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those seeking a premium typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon balances a low-pitched sound with a mild typing feel, catering to users who prefer a softer touch. While they differ in their specific qualities, both switches will deliver smooth results, allowing newcomers to find enjoyment in whichever switch they choose.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, your choice should largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a lighter key force and appreciate a richer, sharper sound profile combined with a silky smooth feel, then the Deep Navy might be your best bet. Its 45g bottom-out force makes it a great option for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions, allowing for a responsive experience without much effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with more resistance, the Sea Salt Lemon's 53g actuation force could suit you better, especially if you appreciate a buttery smooth typing experience enhanced by its progressive spring. The low-pitched, neutral sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon also makes it ideal for both office and home environments, providing a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just how the switches feel and sound to you but also the impact they may have on your productivity and enjoyment during use.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more