HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to personal touch and sound experience. The HMX Deep Navy switches are renowned for their rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to their full nylon construction and silky smooth strokes made possible by the Ly stem. This switch is ideal for users who value auditory feedback and a more tactile experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches offer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, making them suitable for those who prefer a swift, effortless typing experience. Both switches fall into the category of linear switches, which means they provide a consistent feel throughout the keypress without tactile bumps. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Glory Red switches share an identical housing composition, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is widely recognized in the mechanical keyboard community for its acoustic properties; in these switches, it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given that both switches employ the same material, users can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. This is primarily due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics, thereby crafting a more muted acoustic feedback when typing.

While the sound profile remains consistent across both switches owing to their identical nylon housings, it's important to consider the potential differences that may arise from the internal construction of each switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel and bottom-out sound when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. If the internal components or spring tensions differ between the two switches, users might still experience subtle distinctions in the tactile feedback or actuation force, despite the shared housing materials providing a similar acoustic foundation.

In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Glory Red switches leverage the same nylon material for both their top and bottom housings, leading to comparable acoustic qualities. This similarity in housing allows for an expected uniformity in sound profile and typing experience; however, the nuanced differences in internal construction could still result in varied tactile sensations and performance characteristics. Thus, while optically and acoustically they may align closely, it is vital for users to consider the overall switch design to fully appreciate the uniqueness that each switch can provide.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter and easier to press, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users may find it less fatiguing. In contrast, the Glory Red switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a firmer push feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the Deep Navy switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a clear endpoint when pressed fully down, the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch is unknown. This difference means that users opting for the Deep Navy can expect consistent feedback both during actuation and at the bottom, while the Glory Red's performance in this regard remains unclear. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch should lean towards the Deep Navy, while those who favor a stronger actuation might find the Glory Red more appealing.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressing either switch, users will experience the same key travel length from top to bottom. This parity in travel distance ensures that both switches deliver similar tactile feedback and actuation depth, making them comparable in terms of responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming. Therefore, whether opting for the Deep Navy or the Glory Red, users can expect the same travel result, which contributes to a consistent experience across both switch types.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp acoustic quality, owing to its full nylon construction, which enhances the auditory experience as you type. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, while noted for a smoother keystroke, doesn't have enough detailed information about its sound to draw direct comparisons. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap material, meaning both switches can offer satisfying acoustics depending on your setup.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch stands out for its silky smoothness in every keystroke, largely attributed to its Ly stem design, which ensures a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Glory Red switch is appreciated for its enjoyable travel distance, which contributes to a pleasant tactile sensation during use. While both switches are linear and emphasize a smooth action, the Deep Navy may offer a more refined touch thanks to its unique construction, while the Glory Red appeals to those who favor slightly lighter resistance during typing.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Glory Red switches provide their own unique qualities. The Deep Navy excels in sound and feel, creating a luxurious typing experience with its sharp acoustics and silky smoothness. The Glory Red, while lacking specific sound details, offers a lighter and enjoyable keystroke. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize the deep, rich sound and high-quality feel of the Deep Navy or the light and pleasant typing experience of the Glory Red. Either way, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring you’ll have smooth results regardless of your selection.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you prefer a switch with a rich, sharp sound profile and a silky smooth feel that enhances each keystroke, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially for an immersive typing experience. Its light 45-gram bottom-out force makes it a great option for long typing sessions, providing comfort and reducing finger fatigue. Conversely, if you are looking for an even lighter option that delivers a pleasantly smooth keystroke, the Glory Red may be more suitable for you. Although its bottom-out force is unspecified, it is known for its enjoyable travel distance, making it ideal for gaming or typing where quick responses are paramount. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value auditory feedback and a richer feel—favoring the Deep Navy—or if you lean towards the smooth, effortless keystrokes provided by the Glory Red.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more