HMX Deep Navy vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the KTT Wine Red offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy is renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by a fully nylon construction and a silky smooth Ly stem that ensures a seamless typing experience. Its linear design provides a consistent feel without any tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who prioritize quiet, efficient keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red captivates users with its pillowy light feel and satisfyingly deep, bassy sound. The Wine Red's low-pitched characteristics create an inviting auditory experience, attracting typists who appreciate a richer acoustic atmosphere during their typing sessions. While both switches share a linear designation, they offer unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Wine Red switches, it becomes evident how material choice influences overall typing experience and acoustical outcomes. The HMX Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is recognized for producing a fuller, more rounded sound. This character is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound waves and dampens higher frequencies. Hence, users will notice a deeper typing experience where key presses yield a satisfying and softer auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a high-pitched, crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature promotes a resonance that accentuates higher frequencies, offering a clear auditory feedback that can feel more pronounced during typing.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the differences between nylon and polycarbonate also come into play. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly appealing for setups featuring RGB lighting, as these lights can shine through and create a visually striking effect. Conversely, while nylon lacks this level of light transmittance, its matte finish can provide a more understated visual appearance, thereby catering to preferences for a refined or minimalist aesthetic. However, both materials can deliver distinctive auditory experiences due to their inherent properties, which will attract different users based on their priorities—whether they lean towards a subtler key press experience or a more vibrant one enhanced by lighting effects.
Ultimately, while the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Wine Red feature distinct materials that contribute uniquely to their sound and touch responses, they serve their respective user bases effectively. If one seeks a consistent auditory profile, one could opt for both switches, considering the deep, rounded sound of the nylon housings presents a contrast to the sharper, crisper notes of the polycarbonate options. Additionally, switching between the two may provide insight into how different material characteristics influence the tactile experiences of key presses—both of which ultimately deliver an engaging typing experience, albeit through varied sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, notable differences can be found in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams, a slightly heavier force. This difference in actuation force suggests that the Deep Navy is better suited for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as its lighter touch reduces fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Deep Navy measures 45 grams, while the Wine Red reaches 55 grams, indicating that the Wine Red has a more substantial feel when pressed all the way down. Thus, for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback and tactile experience, the Wine Red might be more appealing. Overall, the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the KTT Wine Red is the heavier switch, catering to different preferences for typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red measures 4 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times. Conversely, the Wine Red, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct experiences, the choice between them will largely depend on whether one favors a faster, more responsive keystroke or a more pronounced keypress 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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a rich and sharp sound profile thanks to its full nylon construction. This design contributes to a satisfying auditory sensation as each keystroke is executed, providing a crisp response during typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile characterized as both bassy and low-pitched. This bass-heavy tone adds a certain depth to the auditory experience, making it feel more substantial with each key press. Both switches, while differing in their sound profiles, emphasize a nuanced acoustic experience that can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, delivering a consistent tactile experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light type feel, resulting in a more cushioned and soft sensation as users type. While the two switches approach the linear feel differently—with the Deep Navy delivering a more refined smoothness and the Wine Red a softer, plush feedback—they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience without any tactile interrupts.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Wine Red linear switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities that enhance the typing experience in their own ways. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a sharp, clean sound along with a silky smooth feel, while the Wine Red charms with its deep, bassy sound and pillowy softness. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may lean towards one switch over the other, yet both switches aim to provide a refined, enjoyable experience that caters to linear switch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy and KTT Wine Red linear switches, your choice should mainly be dictated by your typing style and personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth keystroke with a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy is likely the better option for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming, providing a satisfying tactile experience without requiring much effort. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier feel that offers a pillowy light touch along with a deeper, bassy sound profile, you might lean towards the KTT Wine Red switches. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a more satisfying resistance that may appeal to those who appreciate a sturdy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what enhances your enjoyment and productivity; whether you desire the silky smoothness of the Deep Navy or the rich, comforting feel of the Wine Red, both switches offer unique characteristics set to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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