Gateron Aliaz vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly influence both feel and sound. On one hand, the Gateron Aliaz switches are designed with a tactile response in mind, making them ideal for quiet environments such as offices. These switches provide a medium-heavy weight, delivering a satisfying feedback with each keystroke while keeping noise levels to a minimum, making them perfect for those who desire a muted yet polished typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switches cater to users who value smoothness and auditory satisfaction. With their full nylon construction and Ly stem, they offer a delightful tactile experience characterized by a rich sound profile that enhances the overall typing immersion. While the Aliaz excels in quietude and tactile feedback, the Deep Navy appeals to enthusiasts seeking a fluid and resonant typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the HMX Deep Navy switches, one can observe a marked difference in their sound profiles. The Aliaz features both top and bottom housings made from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile characterized by its clear resonance. Specifically, the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound when the key is released, creating an auditory experience that is both high-pitched and defined. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings—an indicator of a softer material that generally absorbs sound. This leads to a deeper, fuller auditory experience, producing a rounder sound profile that tends to be less sharp than that of the Aliaz.
Despite their different materials, both the Aliaz and Deep Navy switches demonstrate how housing plays a crucial role in the overall feel and acoustic experience of a switch. For the Aliaz, the combination of polycarbonate materials propels the sound quality toward clarity and brightness, allowing RGB lighting to shine through effectively due to the material's translucency. On the other hand, the nylon that envelops the Deep Navy creates a sound that feels cushioned and deeper, appealing to those who prefer a more muted keystroke experience. Even though both switches produce distinct sound profiles, their material choices directly influence how effects like bottoming out are perceived, highlighting the role that softness or stiffness plays in switch design.
The impact of each housing material extends to how users experience the actuation and release of the switches. In switches where the top and bottom housing materials differ, such as the Aliaz with polycarbonate and the Deep Navy with nylon, the typing experience becomes a blend of varying sound and feel characteristics. With the Aliaz, the crispness from the polycarbonate will be felt more keenly at the release, while the impact of the tougher bottom housing contributes to the sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the HMX Deep Navy's nylon housing creates a unified experience; the softness contributes to both the tactile feedback felt during actuation and the sound when the key is released—this cohesion may be favorable for those seeking a muted experience. Thus, while the materials used in the two switches differ significantly, the end result of the typing experience can be nuanced depending on the keypress dynamics that each material combination creates.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for typing and gaming experiences. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy is much lighter, featuring an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended use without fatigue. Ultimately, if you're looking for a softer response that allows for longer typing sessions, the Deep Navy is the way to go, while the Aliaz delivers a firmer push for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. This difference in force characteristics clearly indicates that the Gateron Aliaz is the heavier option, whereas the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, the Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Deep Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aliaz offers a more traditional and hearty feel, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance is likely to appeal to gamers who appreciate quicker response times and a more nuanced tactile feedback. Thus, if you favor rapid activation and responsiveness, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, while the Gateron Aliaz is recommended for those who prefer a more substantial depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches are designed for quieter environments, producing a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them particularly suitable for office settings or shared spaces where noise could be a distraction. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switches have a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to their full nylon construction. This switch type is inherently more resonant, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, so individual results may differ.
When considering the feel, Gateron Aliaz switches offer a silky and polished experience, characterized by exceptionally smooth keypresses that enhance typing with minimal resistance. This results in a refined and effortless typing experience, lending a premium sensation with every keystroke. Conversely, the HMX Deep Navy switches have an undefined feel profile at this moment, making it difficult to compare directly. However, users generally have come to expect a smooth experience from linear switches, which leads to the possibility of a fluid typing action, though specific qualities of the Deep Navy in this area remain undisclosed.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz and HMX Deep Navy switches provide contrasting sound profiles where the former favors a muted, quieter typing experience ideal for shared workspaces, while the latter presents a richer and more resonant audio feedback. Regarding feel, the Aliaz shines with its silky and polished design that enhances the overall typing experience, whereas the tactile properties of the Deep Navy are currently unknown. For those looking to enjoy a balance of quiet operation and refined feel, the Aliaz would be the more fitting choice, whereas the Deep Navy will likely appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate a pronounced sound profile and smooth keystrokes, pending further information on its tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and HMX Deep Navy linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself working in a quiet office or shared space, the Aliaz switches are an excellent option due to their muted sound profile and tactile feedback. The heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams provides a satisfying and deliberate keystroke, allowing you to type with confidence while minimizing distraction for those around you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother experience with less resistance, or if you simply enjoy the tactile satisfaction of a lighter switch, the Deep Navy could be more fitting for you. With a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and a distinctive sound profile, these switches offer a silky-smooth typing experience that can enhance your gaming or typing sessions. In essence, your choice should reflect not only how you like to type—but also your environment and desired feel, making either switch a valuable addition to your mechanical keyboard journey.
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