HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The HMX Deep Navy switches offer a rich and sharp sound profile, crafted with full nylon construction that ensures durability and a silky smooth keystroke thanks to their Ly stem design. These linear switches are perfect for users who appreciate feedback through sound while enjoying a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches emphasize a completely silent operation, making them ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With advanced dampening technology, these linear switches deliver a comfortable and gratifying feel that many typists crave. While both options cater to users who prefer linear switches, the Deep Navy shines with its audible feedback, whereas the Semi Mute excels in providing an undisturbed atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and KTT Semi Mute switches utilize different housing materials that significantly affect their acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback. The Deep Navy switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its soft, sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is less resonant but feels rich and substantial during typing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches incorporate polycarbonate for both housing components. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile that adds clarity and resonance to the typing experience. The differences in these materials lead to distinctly contrasting audio outputs, with the nylon housing fostering a muted, rounder sound, while the polycarbonate housing delivers sharper auditory feedback.
While the two switch types utilize different materials, they also represent two opposing design philosophies in mechanical switch crafting. The Deep Navy’s nylon construction promotes a warm and dampened auditory experience, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute’s polycarbonate construction is more suited for those who appreciate vibrant and pronounced feedback, particularly when using RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. The aesthetic component should not be overlooked; the transparent nature of polycarbonate often gives a visually striking appearance when partnered with RGB setups, amplifying the overall experience. Therefore, while both switch designs have unique sound signatures and tactile sensations, they are tailored to cater to differing user preferences in terms of auditory feedback and visual appeal.
It’s essential to recognize that despite the inherent differences in sound profiles resulting from the varying housing materials, the key switch feel is influenced by each housing component's role. In both the Deep Navy and Semi Mute designs, the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound released upon key release. Both switches, through their unique compositions, provide a distinctive tactile experience. However, users might find that the blend of qualities inherent in each material—namely the sound-dampening properties of nylon and the resonance of polycarbonate—can be contextually similar, as each offers a gratifying typing experience balanced by the respective housing material's influence on sound and feedback.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, which is ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the Semi Mute features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, which appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel when typing. This means that while both switches will perform effectively, the Deep Navy provides a gentler experience, whereas the Semi Mute delivers a more robust one. Consequently, those seeking a lighter, softer touch should consider the HMX Deep Navy, while those who favor a heavier, more pronounced keystroke will find the KTT Semi Mute more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The HMX Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Deep Navy switch, you'll experience a more responsive action, making it potentially more advantageous for gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you choose the Semi Mute switch, the longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 switches present a rich and sharp sound profile thanks to their full nylon construction, providing a distinctive auditory feedback with each keystroke. This characteristic makes them more responsive and engaging for users who appreciate a sharper sound while typing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed with complete silence in mind, providing a muted sound experience that emphasizes noise reduction for a more peaceful typing environment. This makes them an excellent choice for late-night work sessions or shared spaces where sound can be a distraction. While the Deep Navy switches offer a more pronounced sound, the Semi Mute prioritizes an almost wholly soundless operation, with each having its suitability depending on the user's preference for auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switches are celebrated for delivering silky smooth keystrokes, ensuring an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it a favorite among users who desire a seamless interaction with their keyboard. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute switches provide a buttery and mild typing feel. Their advanced dampening technology not only minimizes noise but also supports a gentle, comfortable keystroke, ensuring that users experience a pleasurable, fatigue-free typing sensation over extended periods. While both switches aim for a smooth tactile encounter, the Deep Navy leans toward an enhanced keyboard engagement, whereas the Semi Mute focuses on comfort and quietude.
In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Semi Mute switches cater to different user preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Deep Navy switches offer a rich sound and silky smooth typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the entirely silent KTT Semi Mute switches prioritize noise reduction and provide a buttery, mild keystroke feel suitable for quieter environments. By considering these qualities, newcomers can choose a switch that best aligns with their typing style and workspace needs. Whether you prefer a lively sound profile or the utmost silence, both switch types have the potential to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a switch that enhances your typing experience with a rich, sharp sound profile, then the Deep Navy switches would be your best bet. They're particularly suited for users who enjoy a smooth keystroke and can tolerate a bit of sound, making them ideal for casual gaming sessions or creative work where auditory feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience and tend to work in noise-sensitive environments—especially during late-night hours—the KTT Semi Mute switches are tailored for you. Their muted sound and advanced dampening technology ensure that your keystrokes don’t disturb others, providing you with a buttery and mild tactile feel that remains pleasant over extended typing sessions. Ultimately, assess your environment, sound preferences, and touch requirements before making your decision.
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