HMX Deep Navy vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Elf are two compelling options, each boasting unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile, courtesy of its full nylon construction, which offers a silky smooth keystroke experience thanks to the Ly stem. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness in their typing. In contrast, the Huano Elf, featuring a POK top housing, emphasizes enhanced acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, making it a great choice for users seeking a satisfying typing experience without the heavier resistance. While both switches share a linear design that allows for a smooth actuation without tactile bumps, their unique sound profiles and constructions can significantly influence your overall 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Elf, it becomes clear that there are important differences in their top materials. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is celebrated for its classic sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf features a top housing made of POK, or polyketone, which offers superior smoothness and a pronounced clacky sound. While both materials aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, the differences in their physical properties lead to distinct acoustic profiles, with the Deep Navy leaning toward a muted, rounded sound and the Elf producing brighter, crisper tones.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and the Huano Elf utilize nylon, creating a uniform characteristic in their bottom-out sound profiles. This shared material contributes to the deeper and fuller sound that users experience when bottoming out the keys on both switches, reinforcing the dampened auditory qualities inherent to nylon. By integrating the same nylon material in the bottom housing, both switch types manage to evoke a similar acoustic experience, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon as a choice for switch design. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly in their material composition and sound qualities, the shared nylon bottom ensures continuity in performance when it comes to the bottoming-out sensation.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch plays a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience. The Deep Navy's use of nylon top and bottom creates a cohesive sound profile, leaning towards a muffled depth. Conversely, the Elf employs POK for its top housing, resulting in a snappier sound when releasing keys, while still grounding its performance with a nylon bottom. These contrasting choices not only showcase the unique capabilities of each material but also emphasize how different sound profiles and tactile experiences are molded through strategic combinations of housing materials. Thus, both switches cater to specific preferences, showcasing the intricacies in switch design where materials significantly impact auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Huano Elf remains unknown. The Deep Navy switch has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Huano Elf requires slightly more force to engage, with an actuation force of 42 grams, suggesting a marginally heavier feel. The bottom out force of the Deep Navy is 45 grams, indicating a well-defined feedback when the key is fully pressed down. As the bottom out force for the Elf is unspecified, it is challenging to compare this aspect directly, but based on known specifications, the Deep Navy switch can be regarded as the lighter option, catering to users who prefer a gentle typing experience, while the Huano Elf, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect the same keypress depth and responsiveness from either option. This uniformity suggests that regardless of preference between the two switches, the overall key travel experience will yield comparable results in terms of feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Deep Navy switches offer a rich and sharp audio profile, enhanced by their full nylon construction, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound during typing. This switch is designed to immerse users in a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches feature a POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a deep sound signature. The overall sound quality of the Elf switches leans towards producing a meatier auditory experience compared to the piercing clarity of the Deep Navy, but both are influenced by factors such as the keyboard's material and the choice of keycaps, potentially allowing users to achieve similar tonal qualities when carefully matched.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their silky smoothness with every keystroke, promising a fluid typing experience that can help reduce finger fatigue. They are designed for a linear feel with no tactile bump, making them well-suited for fast typists or gamers who prefer rapid key presses. In contrast, the Elf switches are characterized by a medium-light resistance, providing a satisfying and slightly bouncier typing experience that encourages a more energetic feel while still maintaining the smooth operation expected from linear switches. While both switches deliver a linear feel, the Elf's medium-light nature may make it feel a bit less demanding than the ultra-smooth Deep Navy, offering a different nuance in the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Huano Elf linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Deep Navy shines with its sharp sound profile and smoothness, while the Elf offers a deep sound and a medium-light feel that can make typing feel lively. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and the tactile sensation one seeks, as the characteristics of each switch can lead to a unique yet equally satisfying typing environment. Regardless of the choice, enthusiasts can derive enjoyable experiences from either switch by considering their typing style and compatibility with their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and auditory experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter actuation force, the Deep Navy might be your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom out force ensures a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it suitable for both fast-paced gaming and prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Deep Navy's rich, sharp sound profile created by its full nylon construction may appeal to users who appreciate acoustics that elevate the overall experience. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a medium-light feel while still enjoying satisfying key presses, the Elf could be more to your liking. The POK top housing enhances its acoustic profile, catering to those who prioritize both sound and typing finesse. Ultimately, if you value a lighter touch and higher responsiveness, go for the Deep Navy; however, if you're drawn to auditory qualities and a slightly different tactile sensation, the Huano Elf may serve you better.
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