HMX Swift vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the HMX Swift and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HMX Swift and KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Swift is praised for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience with its delicate 42g actuation force. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches are loved for their intoxicating feel and rich sound profile, providing a pillowy light typing experience with a satisfyingly deep tone. While the Swifts are described as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy', the Wine Red switches are categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
22mm extended spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that they possess unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The Swift's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing produces sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles, thanks to its stiffer composition. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
Similarly, the differentiation between the Swift's nylon bottom housing and the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing further emphasizes the diverse sound profiles that can be achieved through varying housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Swift contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red results in a sharper and more resonant sound quality. This distinction showcases how the bottom housing of a switch can play a pivotal role in shaping the tactile feedback and sound characteristics during typing.
While the housing materials of the HMX Swift and the KTT Wine Red offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, it is essential to note that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housings can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. However, if both switches were to feature the same housing material for both the top and bottom, such as nylon or polycarbonate, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the selection of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to the individual preferences of users seeking specific typing experiences.
Weight
The actuation force of the HMX Swift linear switch is 42 grams, which is slightly lighter than the 44 grams actuation force of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. Both switches have a bottom out force, with the Swift requiring 50 grams and the Wine Red requiring 55 grams. The Swift is lighter in overall force compared to the Wine Red, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel while typing or gaming. However, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, so users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing experience and force feedback.
Travel distance
The HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quick response times, making them ideal for gaming. The Swift's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for even faster keypress responses. On the other hand, the Wine Red's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more solid and deliberate keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance benefits due to their close proximity in travel distance, providing users with a comparable typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a unique clacky sound, known for its sharp and snappy qualities. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Swift may appeal to those who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, while the Wine Red may be preferred by individuals who appreciate a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Swift switch is described as having an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy experience. These switches offer minimal resistance during key presses, requiring light force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The feathery and bouncy qualities provide a lively and responsive feel, while the creamy sensation offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not provided.
Overall, both the HMX Swift and KTT Wine Red switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Swift is praised for its unique clacky sound and easy-to-press, feathery feel, while the KTT Wine Red is favored for its bassy sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, snappier sound and a light, bouncy feel, or a deeper, richer sound with a pillowy light touch. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Swift linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the HMX Swift if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 42g, a deeper sound profile with smoother key presses, and a feathery, bouncy, or creamy feel that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, choose the KTT Wine Red if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 55g, a rich and deep sound profile with a bassy and low-pitched tone, and a pillowy light type feel that provides a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Swift and Wine Red switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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