Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Deep Navy present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Coral switch offers a unique blend of a crisp typing feel and a lower-pitched resonance, creating a sophisticated sound profile that enhances the pleasure of each keystroke. Its silky characteristics make it a favorite for those who prioritize subtlety and performance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Deep Navy switch impresses with its rich and sharp sound profile, engineered with a full nylon construction that contributes to its exceptional durability. The seamless smoothness provided by the Ly stem makes it a perfect choice for users who appreciate an effortless glide while typing. While both switches cater to the linear switch preference, their tonal qualities and construction materials offer different tactile experiences. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Deep Navy exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which greatly influence the auditory experience of their respective switches. The Coral utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows it to resonate more clearly. The material's translucency further enhances the switch's aesthetic appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Deep Navy employs nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches incorporate premium materials, their top housings drive them to produce markedly different sound qualities.
Interestingly, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, tying them together in terms of performance. As mentioned in the description, nylon is a classic material for switch housings, known for creating a rich, enveloping sound profile. Both the Coral and the Deep Navy will exhibit a deeper sound when bottomed out, courtesy of their nylon bottom housings. This suggests a shared auditory characteristic, as both switches will deliver a similar fullness and resonance upon key activation due to the effects of the softer nylon material. Therefore, while the top housings result in contrasting sound profiles—sharp for the Coral and deep for the Deep Navy—the contributions of the nylon bottom housing level the playing field.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials of both top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall sound experience of each switch. The Jerrzi Coral’s polycarbonate top provides bright, articulate tones, which, when blended with the nylon bottom's absorbing qualities, yield a unique sound signature. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy’s softer nylon top creates a more subdued but rich sound character, harmonizing with its nylon bottom to deliver an immersive typing experience. Therefore, when considering the full range of auditory experiences offered by these two switches, one must appreciate how the materials interact to create distinct yet comparable results, shaping both sound and feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch both feature an actuation force of 40 grams, meaning that users will experience the same pressure requirement to initiate a keystroke, providing a consistent typing feel between the two. However, the Deep Navy switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which indicates that it offers a slightly firmer resistance when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Coral switch is unknown, leaving it unclear how it might compare in terms of resistance at full depression. As a result, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Deep Navy switch is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Coral switch, with its lighter and unspecified bottom out force, might be favored by users looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, it is evident that the Coral has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Deep Navy measures at 3.6 mm. This difference, though minimal, can influence the typing experience significantly. The Coral's 3.7 mm travel distance may provide a more pronounced tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress, while the Deep Navy's 3.6 mm distance caters to users favoring faster response times with its slightly shorter travel. Both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, allowing users to experience similar results in terms of responsiveness. However, for individuals prioritizing a quick response, the Deep Navy may be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth might lean towards the Coral.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral switch stands out with its distinctly low-pitched resonance, providing a deeper, bass-heavy tone that makes each keystroke feel more grounded and satisfying. This characteristic contributes to a more nuanced auditory experience that many find pleasant. In contrast, while specific details are not available for the HMX Deep Navy, it is important to note that sound can vary based on the overall construction materials and design. Given that the Deep Navy switch boasts a full nylon construction, it is reasonable to expect that it may produce a sound profile that is similarly rich and satisfying, though perhaps with a sharper quality that contrasts with the Coral's mellow tone. Ultimately, sound experience may be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices, meaning both switches could deliver unique auditory experiences based on their respective setups.
In terms of feel, the Coral switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for a fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance during both key presses and releases. This quality enhances the tactile joy of typing, making the Coral an appealing option for those who prioritize comfort in their keyboard experience. The Deep Navy switch is noted for its overall smoothness as well, attributed to the Ly stem, which suggests it also provides a satisfying feel during typing. While the explicit tactile feedback characteristics of the Deep Navy are not mentioned, the smooth typing experience indicates that users would likely enjoy a comparable level of finesse, making it a strong candidate for those who appreciate a seamless keystroke.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Coral and HMX Deep Navy linear switches present themselves as excellent options for newcomers seeking a linear switch experience. The Coral is known for its low-pitched sound and silky feel, which offers a sophisticated and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Deep Navy remains less defined, its nylon construction suggests a potentially rich auditory experience, paired with a smooth feel attributed to its design. Overall, both switches could satisfy typists looking for comfort, with each providing a unique character that appeals to different preferences. Users can expect pleasant results with either option, thanks to their focus on smooth operation and satisfying sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you prioritize a typing experience that feels exceptionally smooth and offers a low-pitched resonance, the Coral switch would be an excellent choice. Its distinctive crispness and silky smoothness make each keystroke a pleasure, particularly if you enjoy a balanced typing feel without the distraction of a high-pitched tone. On the other hand, if you seek a rich auditory experience accompanied by a slightly firmer yet still light feel with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Deep Navy switch will cater to your needs perfectly. The nylon construction and the unique sound profile enhance the overall typing atmosphere while still ensuring smooth operation. Ultimately, your choice should align with your tactile preferences—whether you value a softer, more nuanced feedback or a sharper auditory experience.
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