HMX EVA vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on the desired typing experience. The HMX EVA switch, known for its vibrant design inspired by Evangelion Unit-01, offers a linear typing feel characterized by smooth keystrokes and a resonant sound signature that delivers an engaging auditory experience. It's an ideal option for gamers or those who prioritize fluidity and speed in their typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch presents a tactile sensation that is subtle yet effective; its mild feedback provides just enough resistance to enhance typing accuracy without being overly pronounced. Coupled with a medium-light feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo stands out as a versatile choice that easily adapts to various environments. Each switch brings distinct advantages: the EVA caters to enthusiasts seeking a seamless linear action, while the Mallo appeals to typists looking for a refined tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX EVA and KTT Mallo switches showcase distinct materials for their top housings, significantly influencing their acoustic profiles. The EVA features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that produces a deeper, fuller sound. This quality of nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that many typists appreciate for its comforting and solid feel. In contrast, the Mallo employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for more vibration and resonance, creating clarity in sound that differs markedly from the EVA's warmer tones. Therefore, while both look to optimize the typing experience, they do so with markedly different sound characteristics stemming from their choice of top housing materials.
The bottom housings of both the EVA and Mallo are made from nylon, a common choice that provides substantial common ground in terms of sound profile. Nylon's properties allow for a duller, fuller sound experience, which is consistent across both switches. This means that when the switches bottom out, the impact of the nylon material will yield a similar auditory feedback, regardless of the different materials used for the top housing. The nylon bottom housing effectively absorbs sound, whether it’s paired with the softer nylon top of the EVA or the stiffer polycarbonate top of the Mallo. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile and acoustic response during active use when pressing keys down.
In summary, the juxtaposition of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of each switch leads to varied acoustic experiences, while the shared nylon material in the bottom housing provides a unified feel during key presses. Users can expect the EVA to offer a rounder and more engrossing audio profile complemented by the soft nylon top and bottom, whereas the Mallo promises a sharper and more defined sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches will produce similarly satisfying results in terms of bottom-out feel and sound due to the inherent acoustic absorption qualities of the nylon found in their shared bottom housings. This combination of differing top materials with a cohesive bottom housing ultimately caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired auditory profile while maintaining a consistent tactile experience.
Weight
In comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EVA features a light actuation force of 42 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mallo’s actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it takes slightly more pressure to fully depress compared to the EVA. This suggests the Mallo provides a somewhat more substantial feel when bottoming out, which some typists might prefer for a firmer experience. Overall, the EVA is the lighter switch in terms of actuation, designed for ease during extended use, while the Mallo is medium-light, leaning towards a heavier feel at the bottom out stage.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This variance suggests that the EVA provides a quicker response, appealing to gamers or users who value speed and rapid key presses, as shorter travel distances can enhance performance. In contrast, the Mallo, with its traditional 4.0 mm distance, may offer a more substantial and cushioned feel, favored by those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Thus, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes faster actuation, the EVA is the shorter option, while the Mallo is the longer switch, suitable for users who prefer greater depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX EVA linear switch features a resonant sound signature, which often provides a distinct and pronounced auditory feedback when pressed. This can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy the audible aspects of key presses. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, which ensures that it neither overwhelms nor is overshadowed, making it well-suited for both quiet home environments and bustling office settings. Additionally, the Mallo's subdued nature means that while it produces sound, it is less pronounced than the EVA, providing a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the EVA is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid and unhindered key presses, which is ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for efficiency. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo offers a mild tactile feedback that gently indicates actuation without being abrasive. Its feathery touch requires minimal exertion, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Mallo's stepped characteristic provides some variation and a gentle resistance, the overall typing experience remains approachable and comfortable for most users, making it adaptable for casual typing, gaming, or heavy workloads.
In conclusion, while the HMX EVA linear switch delivers a more resonant sound and a silky typing experience, the KTT Mallo tactile switch provides a subtler auditory presence and a gentle tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel; the EVA appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience with a smooth key press, while the Mallo favors users looking for a mild and comfortable typing journey. Depending on personal preference, either switch can serve its purpose effectively, though they do offer distinctly different experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter and smoother typing experience, the HMX EVA, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent option. It stands out with its unique sound signature inspired by the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, making it appealing for those who enjoy a resonant auditory feedback while typing or gaming. It's particularly advantageous if you spend long hours on your keyboard and value a silky smooth feel without much resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback without being overwhelmed, then the KTT Mallo's gentle tactility and medium-light actuation force of 55 grams may be the better choice for you. Its neutral and subdued sound profile ensures versatility across various environments, whether at home, school, or work, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a lighter, more fluid motion with the EVA or a balanced typing experience with the nuanced feedback of the Mallo.
Mentioned in this article
