HMX Game1989 vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the HMX Deep Navy both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences among gamers and typists. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, is a part of the HMX Film switch series, carving out a niche for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy excels in delivering a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, resulting in a silky smooth typing experience. While the 1989 might appeal to users looking for that immersive, thocky sensation, the Deep Navy might be the go-to choice for users who prefer a more refined and tactile touch. Both switches are excellent in their own right, yet they cater to different styles of interaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the HMX Deep Navy use differing materials for their top housing, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate. This material's translucency also makes it highly compatible with RGB lighting setups, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches while promoting sound clarity. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy opts for a nylon top housing, a classic material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon leads to a more muted sound, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a warmer and rounder acoustic experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, providing a consistent sound profile in that area. The HMX 1989's nylon bottom housing shares the same properties as the Deep Navy's nylon bottom housing, promoting a sound that is deep and rich, thanks to the material's capacity to dampen vibrations. This shared bottom housing material means that, regardless of the differences found in their top housings, both switches will deliver a similar muted bottom-out sound and tactile feel when pressed. Since both designs rely on nylon for this critical component, typing on either switch will provide a full-bodied auditory experience, enhancing user satisfaction through consistent performance.
Overall, the main contrast lies in the top housing materials, with the HMX 1989 delivering a sharper sound profile through polycarbonate, while the HMX Deep Navy offers a warmer sound via nylon. However, both switches exhibit comparable acoustics in terms of their bottom housings, making them more alike in that aspect. The impact of the distinct top housings on sound—where one is bright and the other is rounded—creates a unique user experience for each switch. Nevertheless, when pressed, they'll both provide a rich, deep sound largely influenced by their identical nylon bottom housings. Thus, while users may prefer one switch over the other based on their specific sound preferences, both models ultimately leverage the benefits of nylon for consistent results.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Deep Navy preferable for users seeking a lighter switch, which can facilitate extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. The HMX 1989, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a tactile experience. Overall, while both switches are linear in nature, the Deep Navy is lighter and better suited for those who favor a softer keystroke, while the HMX 1989 caters to those looking for a touch of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The HMX 1989 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a deeper and more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and users who favor quicker response times and a more agile typing experience. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the Deep Navy is the better choice due to its shorter travel. However, for users who might find shorter distances too abrupt and favor a more traditional feel, the HMX 1989's 4 mm travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, the HMX 1989 is longer, while the HMX Deep Navy is the shorter of the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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.
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 1989 switch is renowned for its deep, thocky acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This profound sound character contributes to a more immersive typing experience, especially in gaming and heavy typing scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switch presents a rich and sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction. This combination allows for a more crisp auditory feedback that some users may find more appealing in quiet or casual settings. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the overall acoustic experience will ultimately depend on the specific keyboard build and keycap materials you choose to pair with them.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 excels in delivering a uniquely satisfying tactile response, designed specifically for a smooth, linear action that enhances both speed and accuracy during intense gaming sessions or rapid typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Deep Navy switch is engineered to provide an equally smooth experience, thanks to its Ly stem, which contributes to a seamless keystroke without any chatter or resistance. Both switches prioritize a silky smooth feel, making them quite similar in this regard, but the emotional response to their tactile feedback may differ based on personal preference.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and HMX Deep Navy linear switches offer distinct audio characteristics and a similarly smooth typing feel. The 1989's deep thocky sound contrasts with the Deep Navy's sharp, rich profile, providing users with varied acoustic experiences based on their preferences. However, when it comes to tactile sensation, both switches shine with their linear smoothness. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may come down to your personal sound preferences, as you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, making it suitable for gaming where feedback can enhance your play, the HMX 1989 would be ideal for you. Its characteristic deep thock sound and tactile feel deliver a satisfying experience for those who enjoy a robust typing or gaming dynamic. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, allowing for quicker actuation and a smoother typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy is the better choice. With its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes thanks to the full nylon construction and Ly stem, it is perfect for long hours of typing or for users who prefer a more subdued acoustic signature. Ultimately, consider the activities you'll be using your keyboard for and the sound and tactile characteristics that resonate with you. Each switch has its unique advantages, catering to different preferences in the ever-evolving world of mechanical keyboards.
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