HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX EMO linear switches present distinctive features catering to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while enjoying a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the HMX EMO offers a lively and clacky feel with a remarkably light 46g bottom-out force, making it exceptionally responsive. Its factory-lubed mechanism ensures a bouncy and effortless typing experience, appealing to those who favor a softer and more tactile touch. Both switches showcase linear characteristics that enhance typing fluidity, yet they cater to diverse user tastes in sound and feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the HMX EMO switches present an interesting case in terms of their housing materials, particularly in their top sections where they diverge significantly. The Deep Navy uses a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softness and ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the EMO features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity, producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This difference in material composition leads to varied acoustic results: while the nylon top dampens sound and provides a warm tone, the polycarbonate amplifies it, creating a crisper, more resonant experience. A player looking for a more muted and mellow sound would prefer the Deep Navy’s nylon, whereas those wanting a clearer and more vibrant output would be drawn to the EMO's polycarbonate top.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon for this portion. The nylon bottom housing in both the Deep Navy and the EMO produces a consistent sound signature characterized by a deeper and rounded audio profile due to its softer nature. This shared material ensures that, regardless of the top housing’s differing characteristics, the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback during typing will yield similar results between the two switches. When pressed, users will experience the soothing qualities of nylon in both cases, reinforcing the idea that while the top may alter the auditory characteristics, the bottom housing equally contributes to the overall switch experience.
The combination of different top housings with the same bottom housing results in a balanced blend of sound profiles for both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX EMO. As the nylon bottom impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out, the contrasting top housings govern the acoustic response when the key is released. The Deep Navy’s nylon top will provide a rounded, subdued sound when letting go of a key, while the EMO’s polycarbonate top will create a sharp, resonating sound. This allows typists to experience a harmonious blend of deeper undertones from the nylon bottom across both switches, while still allowing for individualized sensitivity based on the distinct top housings. Thus, the interplay of materials results in a nuanced typing experience, showcasing how the combination of differing top and uniform bottom housings can deliver varying yet complementary sonic performances.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy and HMX EMO linear switches exhibit very similar characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that users can expect an equally light touch required to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Deep Navy has a slightly lower measurement at 45 grams compared to the EMO's 46 grams, which means that while the actuation feel is the same, the EMO switch provides a marginally heavier resistance when the key is fully pressed down. Overall, both switches are relatively light, catering to those who favor a softer typing experience. The HMX EMO is nominally heavier due to its bottom out force, while the Deep Navy is the lighter of the two.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, which affects the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the EMO offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, positioning it as the shorter choice. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on typing feel and performance. Gamers and those who prioritize quick response times may lean towards the EMO switch for its shorter travel, promoting faster actuation. Conversely, users who prefer a more substantial key press might find the Deep Navy’s greater depth provides a more satisfying experience. Thus, while both switches fall within a similar travel distance range, their slight variances can cater to differing user preferences.
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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch is renowned for its rich and sharp sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. The full nylon construction helps to produce a distinct tonal quality that enriches the overall sound while typing. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch features a lively and clacky sound, which adds a playful element to the typing experience. The sound characteristics of both switches can vary based on individual setups, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Deep Navy’s deeper and more resonant tone compared to the EMO’s brighter, more percussive sounds highlight their respective personalities.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch provides a silky smooth keystroke thanks to its Ly stem, which enhances the overall typing experience. This smoothness contributes to a more consistent performance, making it ideal for typists who prefer less resistance. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch is characterized by a lively and notably bouncy feel, supported by its feather-light 46g bottom-out force. The EMO's factory lubrication adds to its effortless and satisfying typing experience, allowing for rapid and fluid keystrokes that can feel invigorating over extended use.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX EMO linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences among typists. The Deep Navy excels in producing a deeper, richer sound and silky smoothness, appealing to those who prioritize a more muted auditory experience with a consistent feel. On the other hand, the EMO’s lively sounds and bounciness provide an energetic typing sensation that many may find enjoyable. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile response, either switch could offer a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing or gaming. If you find yourself drawn to a richer, sharper auditory experience coupled with a silky smoothness, the Deep Navy switch is your ideal choice. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams adds to the ease of use, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lively, clacky feel along with a bouncy, effortless typing experience, the EMO switch is the way to go. The EMO's factory-lubed mechanism ensures that every keystroke feels satisfying, and its marginally higher bottom-out force of 46 grams still keeps the switch in the light category, making it versatile for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you value a somewhat sharper sound and smooth keystrokes with the Deep Navy, or a bouncier, clackier feel with the EMO. Choose the switch that resonates most with your typing style and auditory preferences for the best experience.
Mentioned in this article
