Gateron CM vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various switch types to find the perfect fit for their typing style and sound preferences. The Gateron CM switch offers a unique, rich auditory experience thanks to its full nylon housing, diverging from the common polycarbonate design. This switch not only delivers a smoother typing journey, aided by a meticulous factory lube job, but also features a lengthened, dual-staged spring that results in a pleasant bouncy feel as each key is pressed. With descriptors like "buttery," "bassy," and "thocky," the CM is ideal for those seeking a satisfying acoustic profile. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switch presents a sharp and crisp sound signature, crafted from the same durable nylon for consistency. Its Ly stem ensures a smoothness that enriches each keystroke, appealing to users who prioritize tactile response alongside auditory feedback. While both switches provide exceptional smoothness and resistance to wear, they cater to different acoustic tastes—one resonates with a low-pitched thock, while the other leans toward a sharper note. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of both the Gateron CM and the HMX Deep Navy switches are made entirely of nylon, a well-regarded choice for switch design. The nylon top and bottom housings for both switches contribute similarly to the sound profile experienced during typing. As a softer plastic, nylon inherently absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This quality mitigates the harsher tones that might come from harder materials, providing a rounder and duller sound characteristic. Thus, users of both switches can expect an auditory environment that is warm and pleasant, enhancing the overall typing experience.

While both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, individual preferences in terms of tactile feedback and performance can still vary, influenced by factors such as switch design and internals. Although the same material is used in both, the specific design elements that govern the overall feel of the switch can provide distinct experiences. For instance, the underlying mechanics, such as spring tension and actuation point, combined with the nylon's inherent properties, can impact how the switch feels when bottoming out compared to when releasing the key. This instrumental difference could lead one to prefer one switch over the other, despite their similar material composition.

Ultimately, the essential takeaway is that typing experiences on both the Gateron CM and HMX Deep Navy switches will produce remarkably similar sound profiles due to their nylon construction. As both houses absorb sound effectively, users will find a comparable acoustic experience across both switches. However, the subjective feel and individual preferences should factor into the decision-making process when choosing between the two. While material consistency ensures some level of overlap, it's the nuanced differences in design that can affect overall satisfaction and comfort in use.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch to the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there are clear differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron CM has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy is lighter, with an actuation force of only 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter configuration caters to those looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. As such, the Gateron CM is better for users who appreciate a firmer push, while the HMX Deep Navy is optimal for individuals seeking a softer keystroke. Ultimately, depending on personal preference for weight and response, users can choose between the heavier feel of the CM or the lighter, more responsive touch of the Deep Navy.

Travel distance

The Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and feedback when actuating keys on either switch. As a result, those who appreciate a specific distance in their keystrokes will enjoy similar performance with both switches, making them equally suitable for various typing and gaming experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, Gateron CM switches are distinguished by their deep, rich, and thocky profile, which produces a resonant auditory experience during typing. The low-pitched resonance, akin to a bass tone, allows for a satisfying "thud" effect with each keystroke, significantly elevating the sound experience. This bass-heavy quality is complemented by the full nylon construction, which contributes to the overall tonal depth. In contrast, specific sound characteristics for the HMX Deep Navy switch are presently unknown; however, it’s worth noting that it also utilizes a full nylon housing, potentially suggesting a rich sound quality as well. That said, the subjective audio experience could vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison without further information about the Deep Navy’s sound profile.

When evaluating feel, the Gateron CM switches are described as buttery, polished, and creamy, evoking a typing experience that is both smooth and frictionless. The impressive factory lubricant enhances this effortless keystroke, allowing fingers to glide gracefully across the keys, effectively minimizing resistance. The lengthened dual-staged spring also adds a delightful bounciness that can enhance the tactile engagement during typing. On the other hand, feel attributes for the HMX Deep Navy switch remain unspecified. Again, while we can assume that the nylon composition might produce a pleasing typing experience, specific tactile qualities such as smoothness or friction are currently unknown.

In conclusion, both the Gateron CM and HMX Deep Navy switches present intriguing options for a smooth typing experience, but the CM switches clearly stand out with their distinctive sound and tactile qualities. The CM's rich and thocky auditory feedback, in conjunction with its buttery feel, creates an engaging interaction with the keyboard. Meanwhile, while the HMX Deep Navy’s sound and feel characteristics remain ambiguous, its nylon construction suggests a potential for similar smoothness. As such, if sound and tactile precision are key factors in your choice, the Gateron CM offers a more defined experience based on the qualities outlined, while the Deep Navy's performance remains to be fully explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel, appreciate a deeper, bassy sound, and want a smooth, polished typing experience, the Gateron CM would be an excellent choice for you. Its dual-staged spring allows for a delightful bounce, enhancing the typing journey as you glide from key to key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smoothness that feels effortless, the HMX Deep Navy switch is the way to go. While it may not have the same low-pitched, thocky sound profile as the CM, it offers a delightful typing experience that can cater well to fast typists seeking a lighter actuation force. In essence, your decision should be guided by whether you favor a more tactile experience with a satisfying sound or if you lean towards a lightweight touch that delivers swift, smooth keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more