HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Jupiter Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Jupiter Red offers enthusiasts distinct experiences tailored to their typing preferences. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich and sharp sound profile created from full nylon construction, ensuring a smooth keystroke with each press thanks to the refined Ly stem. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more auditory engagement while typing and seek a durable build quality. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches shine with their smooth, consistent keystrokes, featuring a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation force. Recognized for high-precision molds and pleasing backlight effects, these switches focus on offering a silky and uninterrupted typing experience, appealing to those desiring a softer yet steady feel under their fingers. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, feel, and performance, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Jupiter Red switches present notable contrasts, particularly in their contributions to sound profiles. The Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer characteristics that absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing, creating a more muted and rounded sound. In comparison, the Jupiter Red is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency. This material generates a sharper and crisper sound profile, often preferred for those who appreciate a more defined auditory feedback while typing. Consequently, users seeking richer audio depth may gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those who favor clarity and brightness might prefer the Jupiter Red.

Conversely, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Jupiter Red share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon in both switches. This uniformity results in a consistent sound experience in the bottom-out phase of keystrokes. The nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, reinforces the deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses for both switches. However, since the top housing materials differ, the sound dynamics between the two switches diverge during the release phase. Therefore, while the bottom housing contributes to a similar auditory experience due to shared nylon characteristics, the overall typing experience will vary based on the interaction between the different materials.

Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch yields unique sound experiences while preserving some overlapping qualities. The HMX Deep Navy’s softer nylon top yields a distinctive auditory result characterized by depth, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Red’s polycarbonate top excels in producing clarity and brightness. This dichotomy of top housings, in conjunction with their shared nylon bottoms, illustrates how each switch's sound profile is influenced by its construction. Users seeking a fuller sound may lean towards the HMX Deep Navy, while those looking for clarity and brightness will likely prefer the Gateron Jupiter Red.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter switch that facilitates extensive typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards lighter switches for comfort, the HMX Deep Navy would be optimal. On the other hand, if you enjoy a firmer push and a more robust feedback during typing, the Gateron Jupiter Red would suit you better. Thus, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Jupiter Red is the heavier switch.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red will require a bit more distance to actuate, which might appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Deep Navy’s shorter travel distance might be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for less key travel before registration. Essentially, if immediate feedback is important to you, the Deep Navy would provide a more responsive experience compared to the Jupiter Red. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press, the Jupiter Red's longer travel distance could feel more satisfying. Therefore, the Deep Navy is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Red is the longer option at 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch produces a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction, which enhances its acoustics. This makes each keystroke feel pronounced and deliberate, catering well to those who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile. This balanced sound output is moderate, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. While both switches can be expected to produce distinct sounds, the Deep Navy may deliver a more resonant experience compared to the subtle neutrality of the Jupiter Reds.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Deep Navy is recognized for its silky smoothness, allowing for gliding keystrokes that create a seamless typing experience. This silky sensation contributes to reduced friction and an effortless interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches exhibit a polished feel along with a creamy and silky typing experience. The use of a single-stage spring and high-precision molds results in a smooth and buttery action, ensuring that users can enjoy effortless key travel. Both switches emphasize smoothness, but the added descriptors for the Jupiter Reds suggest a more intricately refined experience.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience, though they approach auditory and tactile qualities from different angles. The Deep Navy offers a more pronounced sound with a silky feel, while the Jupiter Red maintains a neutral sound profile while ensuring a polished and creamy typing sensation. If you're drawn to rich sounds and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, the Deep Navy might be your ideal choice. Meanwhile, if you prefer a more balanced acoustic output with a refined feel, the Jupiter Red would be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results that cater to a range of user preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, your decision should ultimately be guided by your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light keystroke that provides an immersive auditory experience and enjoy a silky smooth feeling with every press, the Deep Navy is likely the better choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force and rich sound profile create a satisfying experience for those who type frequently or engage in gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer resistance while typing, the Jupiter Red’s 60-gram bottom-out force and polished, creamy feel offer a reliable and consistent typing experience suited for a variety of tasks, from everyday use to professional work. The neutral sound profile of the Jupiter Red also makes it versatile for use in shared spaces. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, whether it's the seamless glide of the Jupiter Red or the lighter and more textured experience of the Deep Navy, and let that guide your final selection.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more