HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream each offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch can appeal to users who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch captivates with its innovative use of POK material, providing a creamy, buttery feel that many typists adore. Its high-pitched, clacky sound signature adds an extra layer of delight, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate both tactile feedback and a whimsical auditory experience. While both switches are categorized as linear, their distinct properties cater to different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it's evident that both switches utilize distinct compositions that contribute to their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Deep Navy switch features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This softness allows for better sound absorption, leading to a rounder sound signature. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s top housing utilizes a proprietary blend referred to as KTT, which produces a high-pitched, clacky sound profile. The differing materials highlight the versatility in switch design—while the Deep Navy leans toward a muted and warm auditory experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream favors a more pronounced and vibrant sound.
Delving deeper into the bottom housing materials, a noticeable contrast persists between the Deep Navy and Vanilla Ice Cream. The Deep Navy switches employ nylon for the bottom housing as well, enhancing the overall depth and richness of sound with a fullness that complements its top housing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom housing is crafted from a POK material, known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, allowing for swift key presses with minimal friction. This differentiation in materials significantly impacts the overall feel and longevity of each switch. While the nylon offers a softer touch, the POK material adds a resilience that contributes to a crisper, more responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials of each switch creates distinct tactile responses and auditory results. In the case of the Deep Navy, the consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings produces a cohesive sound profile, emphasizing the lower frequencies and creating a harmonious typing experience. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches achieve their signature clacky sound by combining KTT's higher frequency characteristics with POK's durability and smoothness. Should one desire a typing experience that mirrors the effects of the Deep Navy while utilizing different materials, one could look for combinations that maintain a balance between softness in the top housing and resilience in the bottom housing, leading to similar acoustic results.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch with the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, but there are some differences worth noting. The Deep Navy requires an actuation force of 40 grams and bottoms out at 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. While both switches are light enough for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Deep Navy offers a slightly softer touch, which might appeal to those seeking a gentler keystroke. Conversely, the Vanilla Ice Cream, while still light, provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a firmer push. Thus, choosing between these two switches largely hinges on personal preference regarding typing experience and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that if you favor responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Vanilla Ice Cream might be a better choice due to its shorter travel distance, enhancing speed for gaming or fast-paced typing. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the Deep Navy, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, while the difference is just 0.1 mm, it can influence the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch is renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, likely due to its full nylon construction, which can contribute to a more resonant and deeper sound when compared to many other switches. Its auditory signature tends to offer a satisfying feedback that typists appreciate. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch showcases a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, characterized by a marbly and resonant acoustics that delivers a clean and sharp auditory experience. This switch’s sound is designed to be engaging and distinctive, especially for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences: the Deep Navy for those who favor a deeper, richer tone and the Vanilla Ice Cream for those who enjoy a brighter, sharper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy linear switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness during every keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with a consistent and fluid motion. This fosters a sensation that can be described as satisfying and engaging, making it a good option for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lauded for its buttery and creamy feel, achieved through the clever use of materials that enhance the smoothness and fluidity of each keystroke. Typists can expect a seamless experience that feels both effortless and luxurious, akin to gliding over the keys. While both switches promise smooth operation, the Deep Navy opts for a silky touch, while the Vanilla Ice Cream combines a creamy texture with an extra layer of buttery ease.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer distinct yet appealing sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a deeper, richer sound and a silky smooth typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delights with a sharp auditory presence and a creamy, buttery feel. Depending on what characteristics you prioritize—whether it be a more robust sound or a lighter, more vibrant touch—either switch can provide satisfying results in terms of performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the auditory experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter actuation and are drawn to a rich, sharp sound profile with silky smoothness on every keystroke, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it notably responsive, perfect for fast-paced gaming or bustling typing sessions where quick feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you're after a switch that delivers a meticulous blend of buttery and creamy feel alongside a unique high-pitched resonance, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will cater to your needs. With its 48-gram bottom-out force, this switch offers a slightly firmer resistance but rewards you with an exceptionally smooth typing experience reminiscent of a delicious dessert. The Vanilla Ice Cream’s marbly acoustics and distinct resonant qualities make it a great fit for those who enjoy an engaging and pleasant auditory backdrop while typing. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize the rich auditory experience of the Deep Navy or the silky and creamy feel provided by the Vanilla Ice Cream.
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