KTT Kang White vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Kang White and HMX Swift both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kang White is a linear switch that is praised for its dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Swift, also a linear switch, stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smooth feel, made possible by its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Kang White is described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Swift is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different types of typists. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the HMX Swift both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the Swift's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, the polycarbonate housing of the Kang White is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the nylon housing of the Swift is a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kang White and the Swift feature nylon materials. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more satisfying typing experience. While the top housing of a switch affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Therefore, the choice of bottom housing material can greatly influence the overall typing experience for users of both the Kang White and the Swift switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the HMX Swift contribute to the unique sound profiles of each switch. While the Kang White features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing, resulting in a sharp and high-pitched sound when compared to the deeper and fuller sound of the Swift's nylon housing, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The differences in material properties, such as stiffness and sound absorption, impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, making them suitable for different preferences in terms of typing sound and feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch differ in weight, with the Kang White having a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Swift has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Kang White provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Swift, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Swift offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Both switches provide a unique typing experience suited to different preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Kang White being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Swift for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Kang White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch produces a clacky and sharp sound profile, giving a crisp and bright feedback to each key press. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound characteristics, with the Kang White offering a more subdued and neutral sound, while the Swift provides a more percussive and clacky typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the information regarding the Kang White switch is not available. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These qualities suggest that the Swift switch offers a light and gentle typing experience with minimal resistance, reducing finger fatigue and providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. The HMX Swift seems to prioritize a comfortable and responsive typing feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions in gaming, school, or work settings.
Overall, when comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kang White provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with unparalleled smoothness, while the Swift offers a clacky sound and comfortable typing experience with its light actuation force. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches have their unique strengths that can cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the user prioritizes a mellow and smooth typing experience (Kang White) or a sharper and bouncier typing feel (HMX Swift).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a smooth typing experience, the Kang White switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press, feathery feel for reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the HMX Swift switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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