HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Strawberry present intriguing options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switches stand out for their rich, sharp sound profile combined with a silky smooth typing experience, thanks to their full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This makes them an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a refined tactile sensation during typing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches are celebrated for their low-pitched, frictionless actuation and polished feel, offering a comfortable and surprisingly smooth performance that appeals to those who prioritize a quiet yet pleasurable typing experience. While both switches are linear and provide a seamless keystroke experience, the choice ultimately boils down to whether you lean towards a more pronounced auditory profile or a smooth, soft touch. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and KTT Strawberry keyboards utilize different materials for their top and bottom switch housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles that reflect their unique manufacturing choices. The Deep Navy features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer plastic properties. This allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to its characteristic warmth, making it a staple material in traditional mechanical keyboards where a more subdued acoustics are desired. This cohesive use of nylon throughout both housing components helps reinforce the sound quality and feel, thereby delivering a consistent typing experience.
In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches employ polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's rigidity allows for better resonance and a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Aesthetically, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it appealing for keyboards designed for RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through and creates a visually captivating effect. The uniform use of polycarbonate in both housings not only ensures a consistent sound delivery—characterized by crispness and clarity—but also an eye-catching design suitable for those who value illumination effects.
When comparing the two, the differences in sound profiles due to the varying materials become apparent, yet both designs are crafted to optimize their respective strengths. The nylon in the Deep Navy offers a cohesive sound experience with a softer touch, while the polycarbonate in the Strawberry highlights a more vibrant and dynamic sound. In scenarios where different materials are used, such as a nylon bottom housing paired with a polycarbonate top housing, the qualities of each material become divided, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing shaping the sound release upon key release. Ultimately, while HMX Deep Navy and KTT Strawberry prioritize different auditory experiences through their chosen materials, both provide pleasurable typing environments suited to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The HMX Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, which offers a firmer typing experience ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter switch while the Strawberry is the heavier option. Users looking for less resistance during key presses and potentially more comfort during long sessions may gravitate toward the Deep Navy, whereas those who favor a stronger push should consider the KTT Strawberry for its more robust force profiles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it's evident that they differ significantly. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is closer to the traditional distance of 4.0 mm. This difference suggests that the Deep Navy may cater better to those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers, while the Strawberry might appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile experience due to its longer travel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers rapid actuation, the HMX Deep Navy is the way to go, whereas the KTT Strawberry will provide a more pronounced depth upon keypress.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 profiles of the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Strawberry linear switches exhibit distinct characteristics. The Deep Navy switches are crafted to deliver a rich, sharp sound that emphasizes a fuller auditory experience, enhancing the tactile engagement during use. This sound is a result of their nylon construction, which contributes to their overall acoustic performance. In contrast, the Strawberry switches are characterized by their low-pitched tones, offering a mellow and bass-heavy auditory feedback that contrasts with the higher-pitched profiles of many other switches. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the keycaps used, which means that users can achieve a desirable sound with either option, depending on their overall setup.
When it comes to tactile feel, the differences become more pronounced. The Deep Navy switches are recognized for their silky smoothness in every keystroke, providing a consistently enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switches offer a range of descriptive qualities that highlight their exceptional feel. Users will find them frictionless, which enhances the typing experience by minimizing resistance during key presses. The buttery and polished descriptions further convey a sense of smoothness and refinement in travel, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. This level of smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making the Strawberries particularly appealing for those who prioritize a luxurious touch.
Considering both the sound and feel, each switch presents a unique experience that may cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy’s rich sound and smooth action appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic character, while the KTT Strawberry’s low-pitched sound and extremely smooth feel may attract users who prioritize minimal friction and a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, whether one seeks the auditory sharpness of the Deep Navy or the buttery experience of the Strawberry, both switches deliver satisfying feedback and performance, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience. The choice comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both options capable of elevating one's mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and the overall typing experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter actuation force with a richer, sharper sound profile, the Deep Navy switches would be an excellent choice for you. Their full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem provide a luxurious typing experience that’s perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, as you can enjoy the smoothness and responsiveness without heavier key presses weighing you down. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more robust and firm feel, the KTT Strawberry switches with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams might be more suitable. Their low-pitched sound and frictionless, buttery smooth typing experience create a comfortable and reliable performance that many typists appreciate. Thus, consider your typing habits and acoustic preferences: the Deep Navy for deeper engagement with lighter keystrokes, and the Strawberry for a more substantial tactile feedback and reliability.
Mentioned in this article
