HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Gateron Glory Yellow stand out as two excellent linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by a durable full nylon construction and the silky smooth performance of their Ly stem, providing a satisfying tactile experience with every keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, known for their heavier actuation within the Glory lineup, deliver a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, making them a great choice for those who appreciate a firmer feel while typing or gaming. While both switches promise smooth and enjoyable typing experiences, their distinctive sound profiles and actuation weights may influence your choice based on personal preference. 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
50g
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
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Glory Yellow are both made from nylon, a classic and widely appreciated material in the keyboard switch community. Both switches feature nylon in both their top and bottom housings, which lends itself to a similar sound profile characterized by deeper and fuller acoustics. This shared material choice results in a typing experience that is notably softer and more absorbent compared to switches composed of harder plastics, like polycarbonate or ABS. As a result, typing on either switch produces a duller and rounder sound, ensuring that users seeking quiet typing sessions will be satisfied with both options.
However, even with these commonalities, one could argue that the overall feel and sound of the switches may still differ based on the specific design and structure of each switch. The impact of the nylon housing is distributed between the top and bottom portions of the switch; thus, the interplay of these elements can influence factors such as bottom-out sound, feel, and actuation force. While the nylon material promises a deep sound profile in both switches, the way they are assembled can result in varied feedback and keystroke dynamics, even with the shared housing material.
Ultimately, because both the Deep Navy and Glory Yellow utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect similar acoustic results in terms of sound character. The consistent properties of nylon help create a cohesive auditory experience upon keystrokes, irrespective of the slight variances in design. Consequently, while users may appreciate subtle differences in feel and responsiveness, both switches will yield remarkably similar auditory qualities, making either option suitable for those who prioritize a muted, satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, which is advantageous for both work and long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Glory Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Regarding bottom out forces, the Deep Navy has a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Glory Yellow's bottom out force remains unknown. This uncertainty leaves the overall experience of bottoming out with the Glory Yellow open-ended. Therefore, users preferring lighter switches for comfort and prolonged use might lean towards the HMX Deep Navy, while those seeking a firmer push might find the Gateron Glory Yellow more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they differ in their specifications. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a greater depth. This difference means that users who favor quicker response times may prefer the Deep Navy switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance a more instantaneous feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial sensation with each keystroke.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its rich, sharp tonal quality, providing a distinct auditory experience that enhances every keystroke. The full nylon construction likely contributes to a resonant sound, allowing for a more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, although not explicitly detailed in terms of sound, tends to offer a smooth keystroke that many users find satisfying. However, the overall sound can greatly depend on external factors, including the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which means that both switches could potentially deliver enjoyable acoustic results independent of specific characteristics.
As for the feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness with each keystroke, thanks to the Ly stem design that enhances the actuation experience. In contrast, the Glory Yellow switch is recognized for its pleasant travel distance and smooth keystroke, making for an enjoyable typing experience as well. While both switches exhibit smoothness, the nuances in actuation force and travel characteristics may set them apart in terms of personal preferences, with Deep Navy potentially offering a slightly different tactile response due to its construction.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches present unique offerings that cater to different typing experiences. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich sound profile and silky smooth feel, while the Glory Yellow focuses on its heavier build and enjoyable travel distance. While both switches emphasize smoothness, their individual tonal qualities and tactile elements can lead to different preferences among users. Ultimately, if you choose either switch, both promise a gratifying typing experience, albeit with their distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the weight of the keystrokes. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a keypress that requires only 45 grams of force, the Deep Navy could be the better option, especially if you appreciate a rich and sharp sound profile complemented by silky smoothness with every keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile aural experience during typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that offers a more substantial feel and appreciate the heavier response in your keystrokes, then the Glory Yellow may be the switch for you, even if its exact bottom-out force is unknown. Known for its pleasing travel distance and smooth keystroke, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice if you're looking for an enjoyable typing experience that balances performance and comfort. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and how you feel about the weight of your key presses to make the best choice between these two engaging options.