HMX Deep Navy vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the best fit for your typing or gaming experience. The HMX Deep Navy switch stands out for its rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to a full nylon construction and a Ly stem that ensures silky smooth keystrokes. As a linear switch, it offers a consistent and frictionless action, making it a desirable option for those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, known for its clean, low sound profile, utilizes innovative hall effect technology, which sets it apart from traditional switches and enhances durability. Compatible with Wooting keyboards, the Lavender HE offers unique features that may appeal to gamers seeking precision and responsiveness. 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

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$4.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Neo Lavender HE switches share a commonality in their construction materials, both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in material choice leads to a comparable auditory experience when typing on either switch. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. When you type on switches with nylon housings, the results are similar—both the Deep Navy and Lavender HE produce a duller and rounder sound, attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This ensures that users of both switches can enjoy a cohesive and rich auditory performance.

While the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Neo Lavender HE are identical, the impact of these materials can vary slightly depending on the overall design of the switch. Each switch's top and bottom housings influence the typist's experience differently; while the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing's primary role is in the sound produced upon releasing the key. Given that both the Deep Navy and Lavender HE employ nylon in both housings, the overall acoustic properties are likely to remain consistent across different keys, providing a similar typing experience that emphasizes a soft and muted auditory feedback.

In conclusion, the similarities in housing materials for both the HMX Deep Navy and Neo Lavender HE switches lead to analogous characteristics in their sound profiles and typing experiences. As both utilize nylon, typists can expect a satisfying key response, and this shared material promotes a harmonious auditory result. However, it's crucial to note that while the material properties are consistent, individual switch designs can result in nuances in feel and sound that set them apart. Regardless, users can anticipate an overall pleasing experience from both switches, thanks to the classic qualities of nylon.

Weight

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch both feature the same actuation force of 40 grams, providing a similar trigger response for users. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Deep Navy having a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lavender HE's is a bit heavier at 50 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation that is conducive to long typing sessions or extensive gaming, the Lavender HE switch requires a slightly greater force to fully depress. As a result, users who prefer a more substantial typing feel may gravitate toward the Lavender HE due to its heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, those who favor a lighter experience might find the Deep Navy to be more comfortable for extended use. Overall, the Deep Navy is the lighter choice, while the Lavender HE presents a heavier option for users looking for a sturdier push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the differences are quite clear. The Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users seeking a more responsive experience due to its reduced travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer 3.8 mm travel of the Lavender HE switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing, thus avoiding the abruptness that can accompany shorter distances. Therefore, your choice between the two should depend on your preference for either a quicker response time or a fuller keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch produces a rich and sharp sound profile, enhanced by its full nylon construction. This contributes to a distinctive auditory feedback that is satisfying and complements the actuation of each keypress. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean and low sound, showcasing a more subtle auditory presence that may be less intrusive in a quiet environment. While both switches project their own unique character, the Deep Navy may appeal more to those who enjoy a pronounced sound, whereas the Lavender HE suits users looking for a more understated acoustic experience.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is designed to offer a silky smoothness with every keystroke, thanks to its Ly stem, providing a seamless and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender HE switch, while it is renowned for its clean sound, is not detailed in terms of tactile feedback or smoothness, so its overall feel remains unknown. This aspect makes the Deep Navy a more appealing option for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience, offering a tactile satisfaction that the Lavender HE may or may not provide.

In conclusion, while both the Deep Navy and Neo Lavender HE switches showcase distinct sound profiles suited to different preferences, the Deep Navy stands out with its smooth typing feel, which may appeal to users who favor a more tactile experience. The Lavender HE, with its low sound, caters to those who may prefer a quieter and less pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, but with the Deep Navy, you can expect a silky smooth typing experience combined with a rich sound, while the Lavender HE promises a clean auditory environment that remains largely unknown in its tactile qualities.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you favor a luxurious tactile experience with a rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy switches would be your go-to option. Their lightweight bottom-out force of 45 grams combined with the silky smooth Ly stem makes for an engaging typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more deluxe auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, low sound, and are looking for stability and precision, the Neo Lavender HE switches, with their slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, may serve you better. These switches are particularly well-suited for gamers or users who require quick responsiveness, especially when paired with Wooting keyboards that leverage magnetic switching technology. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and feel for everyday typing or need the precision and clean response for gaming and productivity tasks.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more