HMX Deep Navy vs. HMX Gravel

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Gravel are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy is renowned for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem. This switch appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile experience in their typing journey. In contrast, the HMX Gravel focuses on delivering exceptional smoothness and a refined feel, boasting a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless typing experience. This switch may be particularly suited for users who prefer lighter touches and a seamless interaction with their keyboard. While both switches share the linear category, they offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your 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

HMX Deep Navy Linear

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Gravel keyboards, a distinct difference is evident in the top housing materials used. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile while offering a softer touch. This is due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties, which contribute to a rounded, warmer auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Gravel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that lends itself to a higher-pitched, crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound profile, ensuring sharper acoustic feedback during typing. Thus, while the nylon top in the Deep Navy creates a more subdued auditory effect, the polycarbonate in the Gravel emphasizes clarity and brightness.

Interestingly, both the HMX Deep Navy and HMX Gravel share the same bottom housing material—nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, the typing experience, at least in terms of feel, will exhibit a more robust and fuller sound due to the nature of the nylon's sound absorption properties. As the bottom housing significantly influences both the feel and bottom-out sound when a key is pressed, this shared characteristic ensures that both keyboards possess a tactile and pleasing experience, albeit accompanied by different acoustic nuances from the top housings.

Ultimately, the distinct materials used in the top housing of each keyboard lead to unique acoustic profiles, while the uniformity in the bottom nylon housing results in a consistent tactile baseline. Consequently, users can expect a clearly delineated auditory distinction between the two models, influenced by their respective top housing materials, while still enjoying a cohesive typing experience due to the absorption qualities of the nylon bottom. Thus, the combination of these materials results in varied yet complementary characteristics that cater to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch both exhibit relatively light force specifications, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gravel requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Deep Navy is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Conversely, the Gravel, with its heavier force requirements, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite these differences in force values, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of reliability and performance, as both switches are designed to deliver responsive feedback while remaining in the realm of light forces.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Deep Navy measuring 3.6 mm and the Gravel at 3.5 mm. While the difference between the two is minimal, the Gravel's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter experience compared to the Deep Navy. This smaller travel distance aligns with the trend among gamers who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, the Deep Navy, with its longer 3.6 mm travel, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress that provides a sense of depth during typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference, with the Gravel promoting responsiveness and the Deep Navy offering a more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch is characterized by a rich and sharp profile, delivering an engaging auditory experience that can elevate the overall typing sensation. This sound signature is enhanced by its full nylon construction, which contributes to a deeper resonance. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel switch focuses more on providing a smooth and refined experience, although specific details about its sound are not provided. However, it’s important to note that the sound can also be significantly influenced by the keyboard’s design and the choice of keycaps, meaning that users will have a range of auditory experiences for both switches depending on their setup.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is lauded for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, attributed to its Ly stem, ensuring a fluid typing experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch is designed with a medium-light actuation force, making it lighter and more responsive, which can lead to an effortless and comfortable typing experience while also maintaining that crucial smooth feel. Both switches prioritize a seamless touch, yet they cater to different preferences; the Deep Navy appeals to those looking for a smooth and deep tactile sensation, while the Gravel caters to those favoring a lighter and more responsive keystroke.

In conclusion, the HMX Deep Navy and Gravel linear switches both provide smoothness, but they approach sound and feel differently. The Deep Navy excels in delivering a rich auditory experience and silky smooth keystrokes, while the Gravel offers a lighter actuation force for a more responsive feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Deep Navy for its rich sound and smoothness or the Gravel for its responsive characteristics, both switches deliver high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between HMX Deep Navy and HMX Gravel linear switches ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound and feel during your typing experience. If you find yourself drawn to a richer, sharper sound profile and a particularly smooth keystroke, then the Deep Navy switch would likely enhance your typing experience. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing style, enabling longer sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a refined typing feel with an emphasis on a responsive yet smooth experience, the Gravel switch might be your best bet. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides a satisfying balance of effort and feedback, making it suitable for both intense typing and gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and what aspects of sound and feel matter most to you when choosing between these two excellent options.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more