HMX Deep Navy vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options between unique characteristics and personal preferences. The HMX Deep Navy switch, with its full nylon construction, is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes thanks to the Ly stem design. This switch appeals to typists who seek a premium, engaging experience with each press. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a lively, clacky auditory feedback combined with a lightweight feel, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy a responsive typing sensation. Categorized as 'Feathery,' 'Easy-to-press,' 'Subdued,' and 'Clacky,' the Orange is perfect for users who appreciate a touch of vibrancy in their typing experience. Both switches serve distinct preferences: the Deep Navy for a more refined, smooth operation and the Jerrzi Orange for an exuberant, engaging feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Orange, notable differences arise in their top housings, while similarities exist in their choice for bottom housings. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which positively affects sound clarity. The stiffer polycarbonate material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making the keystrokes more resonant. This difference in the top housing materials fundamentally influences the overall sound profile each switch conveys when pressed.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes significantly to the tactile experience of typing. The characteristics of nylon are evident here as well, providing a darker and fuller sound on bottoming out. This common material results in a unified feel across both switches, where the lower housing absorbs sound and provides a consistent quality in the tactile response. Despite the contrasting top housings, the shared nylon bottom ensures that users will experience a degree of sound absorption and cushioning upon key press, exemplifying a continuity of feel in both switches.
In terms of user experience, the interplay between the differing top housings and the matching bottom housings creates a unique typing experience for each switch. Since the top housing primarily influences sound when a key is released, the Deep Navy will express a subdued auditory experience, while the Jerrzi Orange will satisfy those seeking brightness and clarity in their typing sounds. Ultimately, both switches demonstrate how different materials can coalesce to affect the sound and feel of typing, revealing that even with contrasting top housings, similar results can be achieved through shared bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy boasts an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Orange requires a lighter 37 grams to actuate. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch might find the Jerrzi Orange more comfortable for extended use, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel may lean towards the deeper actuation of the Deep Navy. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Jerrzi Orange is unknown, but the Deep Navy has a measured bottom out force of 45 grams, which contributes to its heavier typing experience. In summary, while the Deep Navy switch provides a firmer actuation and bottom out feel with its higher forces, the Jerrzi Orange offers a lighter actuation that could enhance comfort during longer typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, the differences are slight but meaningful. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange comes in at 3.7 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter switch, offering a slightly quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. On the other hand, the Orange switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer the tactile feedback of a deeper press. Ultimately, both switches present options for different user preferences: the shorter Deep Navy lends itself to rapid responsiveness, while the longer Orange allows for a more pronounced typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switches produce a rich and sharp sound profile thanks to their full nylon construction, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange linear switches are characterized by a combination of clacky and subdued sounds; they deliver a crisp, bright, and percussive sound while also having a dampened quality that makes them less intrusive compared to other linear switches. This means that while the Deep Navy offers a more immersive auditory experience, the Orange switches provide vibrant feedback that may appeal to users who enjoy a more lively typing atmosphere.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Deep Navy's qualities remain unspecified. However, the Jerrzi Orange switches are noted for their feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal effort during key presses. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions and activities like gaming or work. The Orange's design ensures a comfortable typing experience, promoting responsiveness without demanding much exertion from the user.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy switches excel in delivering a rich sound profile, while the Jerrzi Orange switches combine clackiness with a more subdued quality, making them lively yet not overly intrusive. The feel of the Deep Navy remains a mystery, but the Jerrzi Orange wins in terms of comfort and ease of use. For users seeking similar auditory results, understanding these distinctions will guide them in choosing a switch that aligns with their personal preferences for sound and feel, ultimately enhancing their typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will play a crucial role in your decision. If you prefer a lighter key feel and a smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue over long sessions, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a rich sound profile that complements its silky keystrokes. Its nylon construction and low actuation force ensure that typing remains comfortable, making it suitable for both gaming and professional environments where you may need to type extensively. On the other hand, if you want a more tactile and lively experience with a clacky auditory feedback, the Jerrzi Orange is the way to go. Its exceptional lightness allows for effortless key presses, which can make it a favorite for those who appreciate a spirited and responsive typing experience. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel; opt for Deep Navy for a smooth and subtle experience, or go for the Orange if you crave a vibrant touch with a distinct auditory presence.