HMX Deep Navy vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 can greatly influence your typing experience. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to their full nylon construction, and they deliver a remarkably smooth keystroke owing to their Ly stem design. This makes them an excellent option for users who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback and the tactile feel of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, created by Haimu, which provides an engaging auditory experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. The addition of a unique light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making these switches perfect for those who want their keyboard to stand out visually as well as functionally. Both switches offer a seamless typing experience, yet they cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a stark contrast emerges. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound, generating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity and resonance of key presses but also contributes to a more pronounced sound when the keys are released. Consequently, the choice of housing material distinctly influences the acoustic properties and overall experience of each switch.
While the materials differ, both the Deep Navy and Lightning Silver V3 can produce desirable characteristics depending on user preferences. The nylon construction of the Deep Navy provides a subdued auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. This can be particularly advantageous in settings where noise levels are a concern. On the contrary, the Lightning Silver V3 caters to users seeking an energized and lively sound profile, ideal for gaming or environments where auditory feedback is essential. Thus, despite their contrasting materials, both switches deliver unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience in different ways.
The differences in the impact of the top and bottom housings further highlight the nuances between these two switches. Since the Deep Navy's homogeneous nylon construction influences both the key pressed down and the sound release, users can expect a consistent acoustic experience emphasizing depth and fullness. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate materials allow for a differentiation of sound quality between the key press and release. The stiffer nature of the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a lively bottom-out sound, while the top housing enhances the clarity of the sound when keys are released. Therefore, even though the housing materials differ significantly, the switches can still be tailored to meet specific auditory preferences, showcasing the integral role materials play in crafting the tactile and acoustic experience.
Weight
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch present a distinctive contrast in 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 suitable for those who favor a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use or intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel for their keystrokes. This noteworthy difference indicates that the Everglide switch will provide a firmer resistance, which some typists and gamers might appreciate for tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who prioritize a lightweight switch for longer typing sessions will gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those seeking a more robust experience may opt for the Lightning Silver V3.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm indicates that the Deep Navy switch offers a more pronounced tactile feel when pressed, making it suitable for users who appreciate a fuller depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3 aligns well with the preferences of gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate activation. Consequently, if you favor a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better option; however, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, the HMX Deep Navy would likely be more appealing.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by its rich and sharp qualities, ensuring a deep and resonant auditory experience that can enhance the mood during typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a crisp and bright auditory feedback that can be quite engaging for users who appreciate a snappier keystroke. While the Deep Navy provides a more subdued and full-bodied sound, the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a lively and percussive tone that may stand out more in a mixed-sound environment. However, it's important to note that the sound experience can vary greatly depending on the specific keyboard build and keycap compatibility.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the HMX Deep Navy is renowned for its silky smoothness, which enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing friction and creating a seamless action with each keystroke. This smooth feel is designed to provide comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 also emphasizes a silky typing experience, ensuring a similarly seamless interaction with the keyboard. Both switches prioritize smooth keystrokes, making them ideal for users who value fluidity in their typing without any tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a more subdued and rich sound profile paired with its silky smooth feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 presents a livelier and brighter sound with an equally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to users who appreciate smoothness in their keystrokes, but the choice between them might come down to personal preferences regarding sound profiles and the overall auditory feedback desired during use.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth, rich sound profile that enhances your typing experience, then the Deep Navy switch is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without finger fatigue, making it perfect for typists who prioritize comfort and sound depth. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile, responsive experience with a crisper typing sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be better suited for you. With a medium actuation force of 60 grams, it provides a satisfying resistance, which can facilitate quicker typing and gaming actions. Additionally, the unique high-pitched clacky sound and seamlessly smooth feel of the Lightning Silver V3 can be particularly appealing for gamers and those who appreciate a vibrant keyboard aesthetic complemented by enhanced RGB lighting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a softer, smoother typing experience or a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, guiding you to the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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