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HMX Canglan V2 vs. HMX Deep Navy

An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 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, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating the nuances between various options. The HMX Canglan V2 and HMX Deep Navy are both linear switches that offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear feel, featuring a meticulously refined blend of materials that results in a deep sound signature and a pleasantly light touch. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Deep Navy switches stand out with their full nylon construction, delivering a rich and sharp sound profile while maintaining silky smoothness with every keystroke, thanks to the Ly stem design. For users who prioritize deep acoustics and a satisfying tactile response, the Canglan V2 may be preferable. In contrast, those who seek a smoother, more refined typing experience might gravitate towards the Deep Navy. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

48g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

T2

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and HMX Deep Navy share a significant commonality, as both are comprised entirely of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This characteristic is pivotal in shaping the overall acoustic and tactile experience of each switch. The use of nylon as a classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily because nylon is softer than many other plastics. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output, which is consistent across both models. Consequently, users can expect a similar acoustic response when typing on either the Canglan V2 or the Deep Navy.

Furthermore, since both the Canglan V2 and Deep Navy utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the feel of the switches when bottoming out shares comparable attributes. The soft nature of nylon enhances the bottom-out impact, creating a smoother experience that reduces the harshness sometimes felt with harder alternatives. With both models reflecting this tactile quality, users will likely find that they enjoy a consistent bottoming-out sensation, which may lead to less finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In this regard, the switches in both keyboards will produce a uniform performance, characterized by a pleasant and cushioned feel.

Lastly, while both models may exhibit similarities due to their shared nylon construction, they have also been designed to optimize unique sound profiles based on other factors, such as the fineness of the switch designs. Although users can anticipate similarities in the deeper sound profile and tactile feedback, subtle distinctions in the switches’ attributes may still exist due to their individual configurations. This variance can play a role in the overall experience; for example, the way acoustic vibrations travel and resonate within each housing might yield slightly different sound characteristics when releasing the keys. Nevertheless, the consistent use of nylon ensures that both the HMX Canglan V2 and HMX Deep Navy will result in a pleasing auditory and tactile experience for users looking for quality switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, both options are designed with lighter actuation forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. The Canglan V2 features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Deep Navy slightly edges out with a lower actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Deep Navy is technically lighter than the Canglan V2. Despite the differences, both switches provide a comfortable experience, with the lighter forces appealing to users looking for ease of use and sustained engagement. In terms of overall typing feel, the Canglan V2 offers a slightly firmer bottom out experience, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Conversely, the Deep Navy's lower force specifications create a gentler typing experience, ideal for those favoring a softer touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches, the Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Deep Navy has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a marginally greater depth, which some users may find provides a more tactile feel during use. For gamers or those who prioritize rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Canglan V2 may be more appealing, offering quicker actuation. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might prefer the Deep Navy due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel, the Canglan V2's 3.5 mm distance makes it the shorter option compared to the Deep Navy's 3.6 mm.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.

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 Canglan V2 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound signature, which many enthusiasts find incredibly satisfying. This rich audio profile is a result of careful material selection and advanced manufacturing techniques that enhance the auditory feedback. Conversely, the HMX Deep Navy offers a more pronounced and sharp sound profile inherent to its full nylon construction. While both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, the sound's overall character can greatly depend on additional factors such as the keyboard used and the keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the HMX Canglan V2 boasts a smooth and light touch, providing an enjoyable typing experience that many users appreciate. The deliberate tuning of its materials contributes to this fluidity. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy also emphasizes smoothness, attributed to its Ly stem, which ensures that keystrokes glide effortlessly. While both switches deliver a silky typing sensation, the tactile feedback and overall experience may differ according to personal preferences.

Overall, both the HMX Canglan V2 and HMX Deep Navy linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different tastes in sound and feel. The Canglan V2 excels in delivering a deep, thocky sound paired with a smooth, light touch. In contrast, the Deep Navy provides a sharp auditory experience with a similarly silky feel. Given these attributes, users can expect satisfying results from either switch, making the choice ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound profile and tactile sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Canglan V2 and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch that pairs a light actuation force with a satisfying thocky sound, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice. Its 48g bottom-out force creates a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lightly sprung switch and a pronounced acoustic profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation with a rich, sharp sound, the Deep Navy, with its 45g bottom-out force, is sure to impress. Its full nylon construction and the silky smoothness provided by the Ly stem offer a distinctive tactile experience that may appeal to those who prioritize gentler keystrokes and a more refined auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the specific tactile sensations or auditory experiences that you find most satisfying, whether you lean towards the thocky resonance of the Canglan V2 or the smoother, sharper notes of the Deep Navy.

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