HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Ink Black V2 provide distinct experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Deep Navy switch is renowned for its rich, sharp sound profile, courtesy of its full nylon construction, delivering a silky smoothness that makes every keystroke feel satisfying. This makes it an appealing choice for typists and gamers seeking a unique auditory feedback to enhance their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 has garnered a loyal following for its smooth downstroke and an engaging rich clack, making it a classic in the mechanical keyboard community. Users who prefer a low-pitched, bassy feedback with a polished feel may find the Ink Black V2 particularly appealing. Both switches offer their own advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and use cases. 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 Ink Black V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Ink Black V2, distinct differences emerge that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Deep Navy employs a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to maintain a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This makes the HMX Deep Navy well-suited for users who prefer a more subdued typing acoustics, as the material effectively dampens noise and delivers a cozy, satisfying keystroke sound.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which provides a sharper, more high-pitched sound profile. The INK blend’s denser composition contributes to a clackier typing experience, allowing for a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Users who prefer a more lively and bright sound will appreciate the elevated auditory sharpness of the Ink Black V2, effectively catering to those who enjoy a sound that is both pointed and satisfying without being overly abrasive.

Despite their differences, both the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer their own unique auditory qualities that enhance the typing experience. Each switch’s configuration allows for a distinctive combination of sound profiles; for example, while the Deep Navy excels in producing a deeper tone with its nylon housing, the Ink Black V2 delivers sharper auditory feedback thanks to its INK blend. Consequently, even if users mix and match key switches, they can expect to achieve similar outcomes in two different tonal ranges, depending on their choice of housing material, given how each component influences the overall sound and feel when a key is pressed or released.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This difference means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers might favor the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, with the Deep Navy being the lighter option and the Ink Black V2 being the heavier one.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Deep Navy, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter actuation distance, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who favor quick response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, providing a satisfying tactile sensation. Therefore, for a swift and agile typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy is the better option, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 is ideal for users who enjoy a more traditional, deeper key actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches, the Deep Navy features a rich and sharp sound, characteristic of its full nylon construction, which tends to resonate with clarity upon key presses. This creates an engaging auditory experience that emphasizes the tonal quality of each stroke. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 presents a low-pitched, bassy sound that combines a deeper resonance with a somewhat chirpy accent that adds a unique character to its auditory signature. This combination of features results in a deeper, more mellow tone that differs from the crisper notes of the Deep Navy, highlighting how the choice of switch impacts the overall acoustic experience of typing.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is renowned for its silky smoothness, likely attributed to the Ly stem, which provides an exceptionally seamless keystroke experience without unintended resistance. This smooth action delivers a satisfying tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. The Gateron Ink Black V2, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring that each press feels gentle yet refined. The smooth operation is complemented by a lower friction caused by either the materials or potential factory lubrication, resulting in a typing experience that is both accessible and enjoyable for a broad range of users.

In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch shines with its rich and sharp sound coupled with a uniquely smooth feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy sound with a polished and mild typing experience. Both switches present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, but users can expect a level of smoothness in operation across both options. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, yet both have the potential to provide a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and a switch that offers a smooth, sharpy sound profile, the Deep Navy's 45-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for quick typing or gaming, allowing for rapid key presses without much effort. Additionally, the full nylon construction enhances its silky smoothness, making it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch for a more deliberate and controlled typing experience, the Ink Black V2’s 70-gram bottom-out force is designed for those who enjoy a medium-heavy feel. This switch boasts a low-pitched, bassy tone that provides a richer auditory feedback, which can be satisfying for users who appreciate a tactile response. Its polished feel ensures an enjoyable typing experience, making it a great option for those who value a polished and mild switch. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a firmer touch with deeper acoustics, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to meet your unique needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more