HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Ice King Linear

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem, delivering an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear prides itself on a frictionless and subdued typing feel, also utilizing full nylon construction and enhanced by generous factory lubrication for a creamy and polished touch. These distinctions make the Deep Navy an ideal choice for those who appreciate an auditory depth in their typing, while the Ice King Linear appeals to users seeking a smoother, more muted 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

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Ice King Linear switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which results in a similar sound profile and tactile experience. Nylon is a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community due to its softer properties, which contribute to sound absorption and a fuller auditory experience. This shared material choice means that users can expect a deeper and rounded sound when typing on either switch. Whether you are engaging with the Deep Navy or the Ice King Linear, the softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.

While the Deep Navy and Ice King Linear share identical nylon housing materials, it is important to consider how the design can influence the interface experience. The characteristics ingrained in the nylon, while consistent, can feel distinctly different due to other factors, such as spring tension and design specifics of each switch. In both cases, the trove of similar materials leads to a melodious typing experience, yet the arrangement or technological intent behind each housing can yield a range of differing sensations while typing. Thus, even a minor variance in design applied to these switches can provide unique auditory nuances during use.

In essence, despite the unified choice of nylon as the housing material, the interaction of this material in the Deep Navy and Ice King Linear switches provides an opportunity for variation. Each switch's characteristics can be affected by how the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, compared to how the top housing impacts the release sound. Therefore, while users are likely to experience a delightfully deep and full sound profile with both switches, subtle distinctions and personal preferences will contribute to an ultimately unique experience depending on which switch is engaged.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, as well as in weight preference for various users. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial and tactile feel while typing or gaming. Consequently, individuals looking for a lighter and more forgiving switch would benefit from the Deep Navy, while those who appreciate added resistance might gravitate towards the heavier Ice King Linear. This variance in force specifications means that users' preferences will ultimately dictate which switch feels best during extended use.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a deeper feel when pressed, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Ice King’s shorter travel distance may cater to those who favor rapid key presses and responsiveness, such as gamers looking for quicker actuation. Consequently, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the HMX Deep Navy is the longer option, providing a more substantial depth, whereas the Durock Ice King offers a more immediate response with its slightly shallower travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction. While specific details about its acoustic qualities are not provided, this suggests a more pronounced auditory experience that many typists and gamers might find satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized by a subdued sound, producing a dampened auditory feedback that maintains a subtle sound signature. This makes it less intrusive while typing, ideal for those who prefer a quieter work environment. Both switches' sound profiles will ultimately be influenced by additional factors, such as the keyboard board and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch does not have specific descriptors provided, making it difficult to assess its tactile qualities directly. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch is widely recognized for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. With these characteristics, users can expect incredibly smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, enabling fluid typing motions. The factory lubrication in the Ice King Linear enhances this experience, resulting in a quiet yet satisfying tactile sensation. Overall, the Ice King appears to deliver a meticulously refined typing sensation compared to the more ambiguous feel of the Deep Navy.

In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch boasts a rich sound profile, its tactile feedback is less clearly defined compared to the highly praised feel of the Durock Ice King Linear, which stands out for its smooth and polished keystrokes. For users seeking auditory clarity, the Deep Navy may hold appeal, but those prioritizing a creamy, frictionless typing experience will likely gravitate toward the Ice King. Without more detailed descriptions for the Deep Navy, the Ice King provides a distinct advantage in the feel department, making it a solid choice for newcomers looking for an exemplary linear switch experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Ice King Linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Deep Navy switches may be the better option for you, especially if you value a rich and sharp sound profile alongside silky smooth keystrokes. This makes them an excellent choice for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick actions are essential, and you appreciate a bit more auditory feedback from your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a more solid, medium force switch with a bottom-out of 62 grams and appreciate a more subdued sound profile, you might find the Ice King Linear more to your liking. Its silky, frictionless feel, enhanced by factory lube, makes it ideal for quieter environments or extended typing sessions where comfort and smoothness are critical. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the noise level of your environment, and how much resistance you enjoy when deciding between these two switches, as both offer unique benefits tailored to different needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Durock Ice King Linear Linear

$5.80

$4.20 per 10

Learn more