HMX EVA vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX EVA and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, both renowned for their linear characteristics, gamers and typists alike can appreciate the unique qualities each brings to the table. The HMX EVA, inspired by the striking colors of Evangelion Unit-01, offers a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience that can enhance your overall productivity and enjoyment. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light feel and satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile, making them a popular choice for those who desire comfort alongside auditory satisfaction while typing or gaming. Each switch has distinct advantages: the EVA for its smoothness and inspiring aesthetics, and the Wine Red for its comforting tactile experience and bassy auditory feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
44g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the KTT Wine Red switches, a notable difference arises in their top housings: the EVA utilizes nylon, while the Wine Red features polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the EVA is designed to foster a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which helps absorb sound and reduce sharpness. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red promotes a higher-pitched, crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer nature. This distinction not only affects the auditory experience but also the aesthetic appeal, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual aspect of the switch.
Moving towards the bottom housing, the differences persist, with the EVA again utilizing nylon, and the Wine Red employing polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing in the EVA contributes to the same deep and rounded sound quality, reinforcing the overall auditory experience that this switch aims to deliver. In the KTT Wine Red, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing generates a clearer sound, sharpening the bottom-out feedback for the user. Thus, when engaging with these switches, the EVA's nylon components lend themselves to a more subdued and muted auditory experience, while the Wine Red focuses on delivering a bright, resonant feedback.
The interaction of both top and bottom housing materials creates a unique feel in each switch. For the EVA, the dual nylon composition provides a consistent auditory experience, characterized by softness and depth. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red, with its mixture of polycarbonate top and bottom, results in a sharper, more articulate sound. While the underlying materials are different, one could achieve similar performance outcomes by adjusting typing technique or utilizing similar circuit board designs, enabling switch attributes to shine through regardless of the material used. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials yields distinct auditory profiles and tactile experiences, highlighting the significance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch with the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, such as at work or during extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This marginally heavier resistance offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push to their keystrokes. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HMX EVA would be the better choice, while the KTT Wine Red offers a bit more resistance for users seeking a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the EVA features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the EVA the shorter of the two switches, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers seeking an advantage in speed and agility. On the other hand, the Wine Red, with its greater travel distance, may be better suited for users who appreciate a more substantial feedback and depth when pressing keys. Thus, while both switches serve their unique preferences, the choice between them ultimately comes down to whether one prefers the more responsive and abbreviated feel of the 3.6 mm EVA or the deeper, richer tactile experience of the 4 mm Wine Red.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX EVA linear switch is known for its resonant sound signature, which suggests a more dynamic acoustics profile that can add a layer of richness to each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red linear switch brings a deeper and richer sound that can be characterized as both bassy and low-pitched. This means that while the EVA may offer a more varied tonal quality, the Wine Red excels in delivering a satisfying, deep sound that might resonate more with users who prefer a robust auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver a pleasing acoustic environment, though they'll offer differing nuances influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on.
In terms of feel, the HMX EVA switch is recognized for its silky smooth typing experience, enabling fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes. This smoothness can provide a pleasant and seamless typing rhythm that many typists seek. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is celebrated for its pillowy light feel, adding an extra layer of comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. The distinct nature of these two feels caters to different typing preferences—while both offer good overall performance, users seeking a fluid, uninterrupted experience might lean towards the EVA, whereas those preferring a softer touch could find the Wine Red more appealing.
In summary, while both the HMX EVA linear switch and KTT Wine Red linear switch bring their unique auditory and tactile qualities, they cater to somewhat different user preferences. The EVA offers a resonant and smooth typing experience, while the Wine Red provides a satisfyingly deep sound profile alongside a pillowy feel. Each switch offers its own distinct advantages, and choosing between them ultimately hinges on the individual's desired balance of sound and feel in their typing experience. For those valuing either a deep sound or a silky smooth feel, both types of switches can still create a satisfying and enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX EVA linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, which can enhance your typing speed with a smooth feel, the HMX EVA, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, would be an excellent choice. This switch offers a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience that make it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for an agile feel. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a slightly heavier switch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the KTT Wine Red would suit you better. Its pillowy light typing feel, coupled with a deep and rich sound profile, provides a satisfying auditory experience that can make long typing sessions more enjoyable. In summary, if you seek a more tactile, resonant typing experience with a lightweight feel, go for the EVA. However, if you prefer a deeper sound and a medium-light touch, the Wine Red will deliver a comforting and rich typing environment.