HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly influence both performance and enjoyment. The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Ink Yellow, both linear switches, cater to different preferences and styles of use. The Deep Navy switch is distinguished by its luxurious nylon construction and silky smooth keystrokes, offering a rich sound profile that immerses users in an auditory experience as they type. For those who prioritize a quiet yet tactile feel, the Deep Navy is an enticing choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is ideal for users looking for a more versatile typing experience, featuring a shorter travel distance that balances the typing sensations found on laptops and traditional mechanical keyboards. With its pleasant smoothness and subtle clackiness, the Ink Yellow provides an engaging feel without overwhelming noise, making it suitable for both work and gaming environments. While each switch has its unique attributes that appeal to different typing preferences, 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 Yellow Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy switches and Gateron Ink Yellow switches, a distinct contrast emerges from their respective design philosophies. The Deep Navy utilizes traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer material creates a more muted auditory experience, often described as round and rich. In contrast, Gateron Ink Yellow switches employ a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This clackiness provides a different tactile experience that appeals to users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during use.

Despite their differing materials, the fundamental impact of these housings on the overall typing experience indicates a nuanced interplay between sound and feel. The Deep Navy's nylon material consistently delivers a sound profile that emphasizes a dull thump with each keystroke, while the Gateron Ink Yellow's INK blend offers a precise, pointed noise that can be more invigorating for typists who prefer a crisp auditory cue. When you press down on these switches, both the softer nylon of the Deep Navy and the INK blend of the Ink Yellow offer unique qualities that enhance their respective sounds. The softness of nylon can make the bottoming out feel less jarring, while the INK blend retains an exciting, more dynamic response, ensuring distinct tactile engagement.

Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to individual preferences in auditory feedback and tactile feel. While the Deep Navy produces a more subdued sound profile due to its nylon composition, it is ideal for users who prefer a classic, no-frills experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow, with its high-pitched clackiness, attracts typists looking for an engaging and louder response. If a user seeks a middle ground, mixing switches in a keyboard setup may offer a balanced experience, merging the rich depth of the Deep Navy with the bright clarity of the Ink Yellow, providing a unique combination of sound profiles and tactile sensations.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a more effortless typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the Ink Yellow requires a heftier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile feel when typing. This means that while the Deep Navy is more suitable for extended use, the Ink Yellow might be more satisfying for individuals who favor a stronger resistance. Thus, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, whereas the Ink Yellow is the heavier one. Overall, the difference in forces between these switches indicates that typists looking for a lighter experience should choose the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a heavier keystroke should opt for the Ink Yellow.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow is the preferable option for those who prioritize response time, as its shorter travel distance could result in quicker actuation, making it particularly appealing for gamers. On the other hand, the Deep Navy, with its longer 3.6 mm distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer that extra depth in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches offer a relatively close travel distance, the Deep Navy is the longer option, making it potentially better for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch presents a rich, sharp audio profile that is likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. The nylon construction contributes to a full-bodied resonance, heightening the overall sound quality. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a sound profile that can be characterized as neutral, with a moderate actuation force and a sound that suits a variety of settings. Additionally, the Ink Yellow is noted for its clackiness, producing a crisp and bright sound that is engaging and lively. If you seek contrast, the Deep Navy may offer more depth, but the Ink Yellow provides versatility across different use cases.

In terms of feel, the Deep Navy’s characteristics remain unspecified, leaving an unknown element that invites exploration. Meanwhile, the Gateron Ink Yellow boasts a mild feel, making it approachable for both new and experienced users. Its polished finish also ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, significantly reducing friction during key presses. This nuanced tactile experience allows for enjoyable typing sessions, potentially pairing well with gaming and everyday tasks. Without a description for the Deep Navy, it’s hard to draw direct comparisons, but if smoothness is heightened in that switch as suggested, one could expect similar levels of satisfaction.

Combining the available information, we can see that the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a distinctive sound that may appeal to users seeking a richer auditory experience, while the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a versatile combination of neutral and clacky sound profiles suitable for varied environments. In terms of feel, if the Deep Navy aligns with the characteristics of smoothness, it may parallel the comfortable experience of the Ink Yellow, which is polished and mild. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typists’ needs, making each one uniquely valuable in the realm of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force and seek a smooth, rich auditory experience, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice. Its gentle 45-gram bottom out force, combined with its silky Ly stem design, provides a delightful typing experience that's ideal for long sessions, whether for gaming or extensive writing. The full nylon construction contributes to a unique sound profile that many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams and a balanced auditory experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow would serve you well. Its slightly shorter travel and polished, milder characteristics make it suitable for those transitioning between laptop and mechanical keyboards, providing a versatile typing experience that doesn’t sacrifice performance. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a more tactile and immersive experience or a balanced, accessible feel with a pleasing sound.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more