HMX Deep Navy vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Speed Silver offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their luxurious sound profile and silky smooth operation, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a rich auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver switches excel in delivering rapid responsiveness, making them ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize fast and precise keystrokes. With a light to medium resistance and reduced travel distance, Speed Silvers facilitate effortless actuation, ensuring that each keystroke is highly efficient. Both switches share the linear category, providing a smooth typing experience devoid of tactile bumps or audible clicks, yet they cater to different aspects of performance and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Speed Silver, the primary distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is characterized by a softer texture that facilitates a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This softer material contributes to an acoustic design that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Speed Silver’s top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer substance that tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of sound but, due to its translucency, also makes it especially compatible with RGB lighting, providing both aesthetic and auditory advantages.
The bottom housings for both switches, however, are identical in their use of nylon, which further enriches the typing experience. Nylon's inherent properties as a classic switch housing material mean that both the HMX Deep Navy and the TTC Speed Silver will elicit a deep and full sound profile via the bottom housing. This results in a unified auditory impact when bottoming out the keys, as both switches benefit from nylon's ability to absorb sound and produce a rounder sound profile. Thus, while the top housing materials differ significantly and influence the sound produced during key release, the similarity in the bottom housing ensures a cohesive acoustic signature inherent to each switch.
Ultimately, the varied top housing materials in the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Speed Silver create distinct sound profiles during use, while the shared nylon in the bottom housing guarantees consistency in the experiences of bottoming out. Thus, users can anticipate a fuller sound experience from both models due to their nylon bottom housings, even as the top housings dictate the nuances of sound and feel. This combination leads to a unique typing experience where the contrasting characteristics from each switch's top housing blend with a familiar undercurrent of richness due to the common nylon basis, offering users a well-rounded environment for both typing and sound enjoyment.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. As a result, users seeking a lighter switch will find the HMX Deep Navy preferable, while those wanting a bit more resistance might lean towards the TTC Speed Silver. Overall, the differences in both actuation and bottom out forces suggest that the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing experience and fatigue during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Speed Silver is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the option for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress, providing a greater sense of depth as they type. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance can offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker key activation for enhanced performance. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing depth and the other speed—the difference in travel distance means that the Deep Navy will feel more substantial, whereas the Speed Silver will facilitate a snappier response. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one values a deeper keypress or a quicker activation.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 auditory experience, underscored by its full nylon construction. This gives it a unique aural fingerprint, allowing for pronounced acoustic feedback that is particularly engaging during use. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch presents a neutral sound profile, which strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and sound levels. This makes it versatile and suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Both switches have distinct sound characteristics; the Deep Navy offering a more pronounced auditory element, while the Speed Silver maintains a more subdued and adaptable sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch provides silky smoothness with every keystroke, thanks to the Ly stem design, which is engineered to enhance the typing experience. This switch excels in delivering a continuous and fluid feel as you type, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize smooth actuation. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver switch is categorized as having a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for a variety of users. Its smooth and refined finish results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and ease of travel. While both switches prioritize a pleasant typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences—one focusing on fluidity, while the other emphasizes comfort and accessibility.
Overall, the HMX Deep Navy and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy provides a richer auditory experience and silky smoothness for users who appreciate a pronounced feedback, while the Speed Silver offers a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel that is suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Choosing between them will depend on your personal typing style and the environment in which you intend to use them. Whether you prefer the adventurous sound of the Deep Navy or the versatile practicality of the Speed Silver, both switches promise a satisfying experience, just through different auditory and tactile lenses.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Deep Navy linear switches and TTC Speed Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you value a light keystroke with a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy switch could be your ideal choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or for users who prefer a more effortless feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the TTC Speed Silvers, with their 55-gram bottom-out force and reduced travel distance, will offer you a more dynamic typing experience, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios where quick actuation is key. The Speed Silver’s mild and polished feel, along with its neutral sound profile, makes it a versatile option for both gaming and general typing tasks. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, your typing style, and how much tactile feedback you desire, as these factors will heavily influence your decision between these two switches.
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